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.
Ireland v Slovakia (Friday)
Euro 2012 qualifier
KO 19:45, Sky Sports 3
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
12 Oct 2010 Euro Championships Slovakia 1-1 Ireland
08 Sep 2007 Euro Championships Slovakia 2-2 Ireland
28 Mar 2007 Euro Championships Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
PREVIEW
Ireland, Slovakia and Russia are all locked on 13 points in Group B and tonight’s game represents a great opportunity for Giovanni Trapattoni’s side to put themselves in an excellent position to reach the finals. If it were not for a missed penalty from Robbie Keane when these nations drew 1-1 in Zilina, Ireland could be in an even better situation.
With only four games remaining for the Irish, it’s vital that the side take advantage of playing at home as top spot guarantees automatic qualification to the Euro Championships. The importance of this contest is even more so as Ireland face a long trip to Russia on Tuesday evening.
Ireland’s head-to-head record against Slovakia will give the side plenty of confidence, especially knowing they have won their only game against them on home soil. The Irish also lead the way in the Group B scoring charts with 11 from six matches.
The Slovaks do boast of a pretty strong record on the road in Europe, winning twice and losing once. Their best result coming in Russia as Slovakia came away with maximum points following a 1-0 victory.
There won’t be much to separate the sides, but with Ireland’s better attacking options I can see the hosts edging this one and picking up their fifth win of the group. A home win is currently trading at around 2.01 on BETDAQ.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Ireland at around 2.01 on Betdaq: 5 points
Wednesday’s Return: +2.88 points
BETDAQ MARKET
