Trapattoni’s men will have more than luck of the Irish against Wales

Wales have been made to suffer in recent meetings with the Republic of Ireland and the 13/8 for more Irish spoils against their Celtic rivals looks a certainty.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Boys in Green might be without all-time leading goalscorer Robbie Keane. And their options going forward have been further depleted by the withdrawals from the squad of Anthony Pilkington and Aiden McGeady.

But West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long is still capable of leading the line and he’ll be ably supported by the energy of Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan.

Furthermore there are plenty of trends to suggest that the Dragons could be in for a long night in Cardiff.

The hosts last defeated the Republic in 1992, six meetings ago, with the most recent of the visitors’ victories a 3-0 drubbing in the Nations Cup two years ago.

And the Republic of Ireland’s latest results also offer positives ahead of this friendly clash.

Only one defeat in their last six away from home is respectable enough, especially given it was a loss to world and European champions Spain.

That defeat is the sole blot on the copybook of the Irish in their last seven internationals. That run has comprised a victory over Poland and draws with Sweden and England.

Long opened the scoring against the Three Lions at Wembley and can be backed at 4/1 to find the net in a Republic of Ireland win.

For those tempted by a Wales victory then Chris Coleman’s side are available at 7/4. Sam Vokes netted recently for club side Burnley in their win at Sheffield Wednesday and he’s a 9/4 shot to score any time.

Regular starter Craig Bellamy is a more enticing 6/1 to score first.

However, Ladbrokes have put a Wales blank and under 0.5 goals at 2/1 against an Irish side who’ve kept four clean sheets in their last seven matches.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.