Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Estonia v Ireland
Euro 2012 play-offs
KO 19.45, ESPN
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
06 June 2001 World Cup Qualifiers Estonia 0-2 Ireland
11 Oct 2000 World Cup Qualifiers Ireland 2-0 Estonia
PREVIEW
Ireland travel to Tallinn this evening for the first of two games against Estonia, whereby the winner will qualify for the European Championships next summer. The hosts have never reached a major football tournament in their history, while the Irish are still smarting from controversially losing to France at the same stage before the last World Cup.
Estonia finished runners up to Italy in the qualifying group and managed to pip Serbia to second place, but their form at home was fairly inconsistent. >From five matches Estonia won two, drew one and lost two in Group C.
These nations have met twice before and Ireland hold the advantage with two victories to nil. Giovanni Trapattoni would be absolutely delighted with a clean sheet here and Ireland’s recent defensive efforts suggests one is attainable. Before Armenia’s goal in Ireland’s 2-1 win a month ago, the side had not conceded for eight internationals on the spin.
Kevin Doyle will miss the match due to the red card he picked up last time out, but the Irish have a number of star players that can get the job done. On paper Ireland are the stronger side, but the pressure in these games can certainly level the playing field. With the game in Paris still firmly in Irish minds, I don’t see them slipping up here and the away win at 2.36 looks the best option.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Ireland at around 2.36: 4 points
Thursday’s Return: NO BET
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