Ireland vs Wales predictions and match preview

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The Uefa Nations League will revive another rivalry on Tuesday when Wales travel to Dublin to take on the Republic of Ireland.

In the previous Nations League match between these two sides, Wales came out on top with a 4-1 win over their rivals, but Ryan Giggs’ men would follow that up with a defeat to Denmark.

Ireland take on Denmark next before the crunch game against Wales, with Uefa Nations League hopes on the line.

Read on for Ireland v Wales live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.

When is Ireland vs Wales?

Competition: Uefa Nations League

Venue: Aviva Stadium

Date: Tuesday, 16 October

Kick-off: 7:45 PM BST

Match preview

This time last year Wales and the Republic of Ireland fought off to gain one final place in the play-offs with a chance to reach the World Cup in Russia.

Ireland won the fixture but would join Wales in watching the quadrennial tournament from afar after losing to Denmark. But now, the two sides face off once more with a view to helping their European Championships qualifications.

Wales’ 4-1 win over Ireland in the opening game of the Uefa Nations League B group looked to set them in good stead for promotion to League A before a 2-0 loss at the hands of Denmark brought them down to earth.

Now it is time for Ireland to fight for their own place in League B, taking on Wales just days after facing Denmark themselves – two crucial fixtures for Martin O’Neill’s men.

Ireland’s match against Denmark will be their first of the current international break, while Wales lost last time out 4-1 to Spain, a result which could have been much worse for Ryan Giggs’ side – though the nation is still in its infancy under the former Manchester United midfielder’s tenure.

Where can I watch live?

Ireland’s game against Wales can be viewed by UK residents on S4C (Welsh-language), Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, channels 134, 401 and 403 respectively on Sky and channels 166, 501 and 503 respectively for Virgin Media users.

What is going on with Gareth Bale?

Wales’ star man Gareth Bale missed the defeat to Spain on Thursday through fitness problems which emerged in the past two games playing for Real Madrid, but no injury has been found on the Welshman.

Following the ominous absence, Wales manager Ryan Giggs has admitted the forward may not make it for the crunch clash with Ireland.

Speaking after the defeat, according to AS, Giggs said: “I’m not optimistic that we’ll have him for the next game. In a few days, we will decide if he is available to face Ireland.”

The Red Dragons did struggle without Bale against Spain but will be hoping the rest of the side can pull together in his possible absence and prove the can manage without the forward.

Who will captain Wales vs Spain?

With Bale missing the game against Spain, Stoke City defender Ashley Williams got the nod ahead of Aaron Ramsey to lead Wales out. And with Bale unlikely to start again on Tuesday, Giggs would be expected to continue with Williams as captain; the defender also skippered Wales prior to Bale’s appointment.

Could Ireland be relegated if they lose?

If things don’t go Ireland’s way against Denmark, Martin O’Neill’s men could be playing for safety against Wales on Tuesday.

The Boys in Green are currently bottom of League B4 having played one game, three points behind both Wales and Denmark. But should Ireland lose to Denmark, they will need at least a point against Wales to keep their spot in League B4 going until the final round of fixtures in November. Lose and they’re relegated, being six points behind both Wales and Denmark with one game remaining.

Head-to-head

Following back-to-back defeats against Denmark and Spain, Wales go into the game against Ireland with two wins from their six matches so far in 2018. Meanwhile, Ireland have just one win this calendar year from five official games, beating the United States in a friendly in June.

It was only recently that these two sides started to go up against each other in competitive football, with the first non-friendly between Ireland and Wales happening in March 2007.

Playing 16 tames in total, Ireland and Wales are level on six wins each with four draws, though Ryan Giggs’ men did come out on top last time the sides met in September.

Ireland wins: 6 Draws: 4 Wales wins: 6

Team news

With Bale already unlikely to play against Ireland, Ryan Giggs may also be without midfielder Ethan Ampadu who had to be taken off in the defeat to Spain through injury. While an official confirmation over the extent of the injury is yet to be made, Wales are unlikely to rush the teenager back unless he is fit enough.

Meanwhile, Ireland will be without captain Seamus Coleman for the game against Wales, with the Everton full-back yet to recover from an injury picked up in September. Also missing for the Boys in Green are Jonathan Walters, Robbie Brady and Stephen Ward.

Predicted Ireland XI: Randolph; Christie, Duffy, Clark, Stevens; McClean, Hourihane, Arter, O’Dowda; Long, Robinson.

Predicted Wales XI:  Hennessey; Gunter, Williams, Davies; Roberts, Allen, King, John; Wilson, Ramsey; Vokes.

Predictions & Betting Tips

Register with William Hill HERE & bet £10, get £30 in free bets. Terms & Conditions apply. 18+ only. BeGambleAware.

1. Wales to win to nil @ 15/4

Wales showed how easy they can be got at defensively in the defeat to Spain on Thursday, but their next opponents are some way off the levels of La Roja.

In Ireland’s last 10 games in all competitions, the Boys in Green have managed just 21 shots on target in total – averaging 2.1 per game – a record which doesn’t scream goalscorers.

To add to this, Shane Long, who is likely to start up front, has scored in just one of his past 18 appearances for Ireland – with that goal coming against Moldova in October 2016.

Key Stat: Republic of Ireland haven’t mustered more than three shots on target in any of their last 10 games in all competitions.

Tip: Wales to win to nil @ 15/4 with William Hill – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (12/10/2018, XX:XX)

18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

2. Wales to win 2-0 @ 14/1

Despite the goal fest which occurred the last time these two sides met, fans watching the match will be extremely lucky to experience something similar on Tuesday.

Prior to the 4-1 win for Wales, the past three games between the Dragons and Ireland brought just one goal, with two 0-0 draws occurring.

And with Ireland’s poor form in front of goal, a 2-0 win for Wales looks like a good option to go for.

Key Stat: A team has kept a clean sheet in 10 of the 16 matches between Wales and Ireland.

Tip: Wales to win 2-0 @ 14/1 with William Hill – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (12/10/2018, 17:30)

18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

3. Drawn 1st Half/ Wales win 2nd Half @ 11/2

Against Spain, Wales were blown away in the first half but improved slightly after the break to get a late consolation goal.

In what could be a vital game for Ireland, favourites Wales may have to be patient against the Boys in Green, slowly breaking down their opponents before taking full control in the second-half and capitalising on potential desperation.

Key Stat: Wales have scored in the second half in three of their past six games.

Tip: Drawn 1st Half/ Wales win 2nd Half @ 11/2 with William Hill – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (12/10/2018, 17:30)

18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

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