WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Our football tipster The Ultra previews Thursday’s games between REPUBLIC OF IRELAND v PORTUGAL and GREECE v SPAIN both with a recommended BETDAQ bet.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND V PORTUGAL

7.45pm The World Cup Qualifiers return on Thursday and we have a fantastic few days of action ahead on BETDAQ Betting Exchange. I know a large section of football fans groan when we get to an International break, but I have to say the last one was very enjoyable and we have some massive games to close out qualification over the next week. We start in Group A with the Republic Of Ireland hosting Portugal. We had a dramatic game between these too when they met in Faro, with Ronaldo scoring two goals in the dying minutes to save Portugal. That was a quality performance by Ireland, but then they failed to beat Azerbaijan at home a couple of days after. We have been through all this before, but Ireland tend to play their best football away from home against better class opposition where they can counter-attack.

In that sense, Ireland might have some success here. They managed to get their first win of the Group last time out against Azerbaijan and they will avoid finishing last now. Portugal need to win this game however, as they are one point behind Serbia at the moment – they have a game in hand going into the final week, but these two games are massively important to them. Ireland will say that they have made some progress under Stephen Kenny, and he has a very large support base in the League of Ireland but the reality is that they are still a very limited side. Portugal should win here, but the market knows that and they are trading 1.37. I feel Ireland will sit back and let Portugal have most of the ball, and Portugal will have to grind out another win here. This game won’t be pretty with the Irish tactics and limited ability, so under 2.5 goals appeals as the value here at 2.06. I’m surprised to see it trading odds against, as Ireland are unlikely to score.

The Ultra Says:
Two points win Under 2.5 goals at 2.06 with BETDAQ Exchange.

You can view all markets here -> https://bit.ly/BDQIrePor

GREECE V SPAIN

7.45pm Next we move onto Group B as Greece host Spain. We’re going to have a brilliant, and dramatic finish to this Group over the next few days! At the moment, Sweden top the Group by two points with Spain dropping points at home Greece in March and then losing to Sweden, however the final Group game in Spain v Sweden which is likely decide who tops the Group. That’s a massive game with the winner qualifying and the second position having to play in the second round. Sweden play Georgia and they will be expected to win that game, so the pressure is all on Spain to win tonight and play the Group decider with home advantage. Greece have played well in this Group – as I said they took points of Spain early in the Group and they have nine points from six games. They will be pleased with that.

Obviously there is a big gulf in class between these two sides, but Greece can hold their heads high with their performances. Spain haven’t been at their brilliant best in this Group, you can see that by looking at the table, but they did make the Nations League Final in the last International break and they played well against Italy and France in those games. Greece are a strong side with home advantage though, and it’s highly likely they will put XI behind the ball here. They managed to beat Sweden with home advantage in September, and while I feel Spain will get the job done here – the 1.46 doesn’t offer any value. I feel that’s more or less the correct price. If Spain are going to win tonight, I feel they’ll have to grind out a result. I can see a very cagey game here, and a lack of chances. Under 2.5 goals makes appeal at 1.82 based on how I see this game going. Spain haven’t exactly been banging in goals for fun, and Greece will just want to defend here. Perhaps we’ll see a 1-0 Spain win, but 1.82 is too big on under 2.5 goals.

The Ultra Says:
Two points win Under 2.5 goals at 1.82 with BETDAQ Exchange.

You can view all markets here -> https://bit.ly/BDQGreSpa