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It’s pretty cool to see two teams from the British Isles square off in the post-group stages at Euro 2016, and that’s what we’ve got on Saturday, June 25th as Wales vs Northern Ireland takes place.
The winner of this one will take on the winner of Hungary vs Belgium in the quarter finals. Assuming that’s Belgium it will be a big task but they have to get by this one first.
Wales got here in spectacular fashion. They won Group B which featured England, Slovakia and Russia and they were almost unbeaten in it too. They had a solid performance against Slovakia, a great first half performance against England, and absolutely dominated Russia. Most importantly – Wales have learned their lesson about sitting back. They did that against England at 1-0 up attempting to protect their lead and then the point – and it cost them.
You have to wonder if Northern Ireland learned that same lesson. After the first game against Poland where they sat back and played very defensively and lost – they came out a lot more positive against Ukraine and it got them the big victory they needed. Although in saying that – Ukraine did control a lot of the game. Northern Ireland then played a similar defensive game against Germany and it could have been a rout if not for McGovern.
Let’s see what the bookies think:
Wales vs Northern Ireland Match Betting Odds:
Wales: 21/20, 2.05, +105
Northern Ireland: 7/2, 4.50, +350
Draw: 2/1, 3.00, +225
Wales vs Northern Ireland Match Betting Tips:
The bookies have Wales as the favourites – and I think they’re right.
Honestly I think that’s a pretty damn excellent price for Wales, and I’ll be betting big on Wales to win.
Over the course of Euro 2016, Wales have been one of the most impressive teams for me. Everyone talked about them being a one player team but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Aaron Ramsey for example has really stepped up his game and has been impressive. The whole Welsh team however are raising their game and know how exactly to utilize Gareth Bale.
Wales have shown that they have no problem controlling a game like they did against Russia, and the Slovakia game was generally 50/50 possession. Northern Ireland meanwhile have not shown that at all – they like to sit back and unfortunately for them they don’t have an explosive enough counter attack. The only reason they’re even in here is due to how relaxed the qualification rules are.
I see this game being much like the games against Poland and Germany – with Northern Ireland sitting back and really offering nothing in the attack regardless of it’s 0-0 or 1-0.
Bet on Wales to win.
Wales vs Northern Ireland Prop Bets:
Even when they go down 1-0, I’m not sure if we’ll see Northern Ireland attack much. I don’t think they have what it takes and Wales will pick away at them. Wales have the individuals to do the business and I can see it being 2-0 or even 3-0. I’ve been debating betting something like Wales winning and Northern Ireland not scoring. But the odds of that are just 2.63 and I much prefer the 4.00 odds we’re getting on the handicap.
I’m throwing an additonal bet on Wales -1.
