25th Mar 2013 | Football
World Cup Qualifiers Double
Don’t be fooled by wins over Scotland, Croatia are in a different league to Wales. Whereas Ireland should be buoyed by their draw in Sweden.
Backing two teams whose prices are close to evens looks a sensible ploy considering the advantage they enjoy over their opponents.
Croatia to beat Wales – 3/4 BetVictor
Wales might appear to be on the upgrade after their second 2-1 win over Scotland, but the value of the form looks suspect. The match at Hampden Park turned after Robert Snodgrass’s dismissal and apart from bragging rights, the victory has little value in the context of the overall group.
Wales are seven points behind Croatia and there is a considerable gulf in class between the sides. The 62-place difference in world rankings is a fair reflection on the teams and it is a surprise to see Croatia priced at 3/4 (BetVictor) for the win.
Republic of Ireland to beat Austria – 23/20 BetVictor
Nine countries host lower ranked opposition on Tuesday, eight of them are odds-on to win, except Ireland who are 23/20 to beat Austria.
This seems particularly unusual because Ireland enjoyed an impressive result in Sweden on Friday night.
Austria are on the same points total as Ireland thanks largely to a kinder fixture list. They have played the Faroe Islands once and Kazakhstan twice, only managing a draw in Astana, a fixture that Ireland won.
I expect the higher ranked nations to prevail on Tuesday night and a best price win double on Croatia and Ireland pays 11/4 with BetVictor.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 12:28 25th Mar, 2013 but subject to change
