We have now reached the final round of games in the European section of World Cup Qualification and there are still a number of teams battling to qualify. One of the standout games on Monday night features Wales and Republic of Ireland who currently sit 2nd and 3rd in their group, but both sides could still conceivably finish top with a win. That is just one of the games that will be featuring in this preview in which I will build you a 4-Fold bet for you to take advantage of. All of the odds provided are courtesy of Ladbrokes and are accurate at the time of writing.
Albania v Italy
Italy sealed second spot in Group G last time out after a 1-1 draw against FYR Macedonia was enough to move them five points clear of Albania who lost to Spain. The Italians have again been a little underwhelming during this qualification campaign, dropping points in three of their nine matches so far. I’m backing them to sign off with a win on Monday though and they should have too much class for an Albanian side who have performed admirably in the group.
Italy to win – 4/6
Iceland v Turkey
Turkey turned in an extremely poor performance in their last game against Iceland on their way to a 3-0 home loss that has all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. They now sit in 4th place in Group I and trail Croatia and Ukraine by three points with just a game left to play. They must beat Iceland if they are to have any chance of qualifying and I’m backing them to do just that.
Turkey to win – 5/4
Israel v Spain
Spain have cruised to top spot in Group G and are now five points ahead of Italy in second place following a comfortable 3-0 win against Albania last time out. The Spanish team appear to have found their feet again following a tough couple of years and they are sure to be there or thereabouts when it comes to winning the World Cup next summer. I’m backing them to sign off in style on Monday night and pick up yet another win.
Spain to win – 4/11
Wales v Republic of Ireland
This is an absolutely huge game between two sides who could finish anywhere between 1st and 3rd in Group D. Wales currently hold the advantage and are a point ahead of Republic of Ireland, meaning that Chris Coleman’s side only need to draw to seal their place in the playoff round. Ireland have to come and win, and if they do, they could still finish top if Serbia lose their match. Wales have drawn five of their nine games in qualifying and that’s the result I’m backing in this one. I just can’t see Ireland winning the game and I think Coleman’s Wales side will try to keep it tight.
Draw – 21/10
Total 4-Fold – 15/1 (Ladbrokes)