Republic of Ireland v Estonia Tip

After winning the first leg 4-0 away to Estonia, it will be party time at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night as the Republic of Ireland go through the motions for qualification. In this sort of situation it’s highly unusual for the return match to be equally one-sided. The Boys in Green will make all the right noises about being professional, but it’s almost impossible to play at the peak of your abilities when you know the job is already done.

Estonia will also be playing to restore some pride after the embarrassment of a heavy defeat in front of their own fans in Tallinn. That may give the visitors a little more bite than a celebratory Irish team. That said, the gulf in class is self-apparent and I don’t anticipate any slip-ups. Giovanni Trappattoni will urge his troops to maintain their discipline; with this team defensive solidity will always be the foundation. There have been nine clean sheets in the last 10 matches and another one here seems a good bet.

Many players will already have one eye on playing in a major championship, and the opportunity to stake personal claims to a starting role in the tournament begins here. This should ensure enough incentive to push Ireland to another victory - it just probably won’t be so emphatic.

Last Friday BettingBias successfully tipped the Republic to be the only goalscorers in Tallinn. Bet365 are offering virtually evens money on this outcome again in Dublin. I can’t see a shrewder bet to be had in this formality of a second leg. Back the hosts at 10/11 to score, and keep yet another clean sheet.