- Brendan Graham
- Thu, Sep 06 2018
WALES
Wales manager Ryan Giggs said he is looking forward to his competitive debut but is expecting a tough game against an Ireland side Wales don’t have a very good record against.
Unlike Ireland, Wales have a full strength squad to pick from with Gareth Bale one to watch having started the new La Liga season in blistering form.
Giggs has overseen three friendly games since taking the reins starting off with a victory against China, a narrow 1-0 loss to Uruguay and a stalemate with Mexico.
“We know it's going to be a tough game,” Giggs told the media before the game.
“The Republic have not been beaten in their last six competitive away games and we know what we're up against.”
"We know it's a team that is going to work hard and make it difficult for us.”
In their last eight meetings with Ireland Wales have four draws and four losses.
IRELAND
Martin O’Neill comes into this game short quite a few players with Alan Browne the latest to withdraw from the squad.
He joins James McCarthy, James McClean, Robbie Brady, Shane Long and Sean Maguire on the list of players who are absent for this evenings clash.
Ireland have good memories of this stadium beating Wales here in October in a crucial World Cup clash with James McClean the difference between the sides.
Other notable absentees from the squad include Harry Arter who has decided to take a break from international football following a row with assistant manager Roy Keane.
Declan Rice has asked for more time before he decides on where his international future lie
MATCH FACTS
These two teams met here as recent as last October in a crucial World Cup 2018 qualifier with Ireland taking the spoils courtesy of James McClean
In the last eight meetings between these two sides Ireland have won four and the teams have played out four draws
Wales are yet to beat Ireland in a competitive with two draws and two losses.
BETTING
Wales 4/5; Draw 9/4; Ireland 9/2
PREDICTION
Wales 1 – 1 Republic of Ireland
Wales
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Ireland
Injured: James McClean, James McCarthy, Alan Browne, Shane Long, Robbie Brady, Sean Maguire
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
