Match Preview - 19:45 Kick-Off at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin

The Republic of Ireland played out a 0-0 draw with Wales on Friday night in a game that was overshadowed by a horrific injury to Irish captain Seamus Coleman. Under the managerial partnership of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin has become something of a fortress. Ireland have lost just 1 game from their last 16 at home and the boys in green are confident they can beat anyone in Dublin.

Iceland’s fairy-tale run in last summer’s European Championships thrust them onto centre stage at international level but their form has been hit and miss since. On Friday they won a narrow 2-1 victory in Kosovo to keep them second in Group I behind leaders Croatia. Gylfi Sigurdsson scored the all-important goal from the penalty spot and fans of the English Premier League will be well aware of the Swansea midfielder’s knack of popping up with crucial goals.

Iceland have never beaten the Republic of Ireland at international level, losing 5 of their 7 games against them. The last time they met, Ireland beat the Icelanders 4-2 way back in 1998.

Republic of Ireland’s recent results

Mar 24th 2017 Rep of Ireland 0:0 Wales - WC Qualifying Group

Nov 12th 2016 Austria 0:1 Rep of Ireland - WC Qualifying Group

Oct 9th 2016 Moldova 1:3 Rep of Ireland - WC Qualifying Group

Oct 6th 2016 Rep of Ireland 1:0 Georgia - WC Qualifying Group

Iceland’s recent results

Mar 24th 2017 Kosovo 1:2 Iceland - WC Qualifying Group

Feb 9th 2017 Mexico 1:0 Iceland - China Cup

Jan 15th 2017 Iceland 0:1 Chile - China Cup

Jan 10th 2017 China 0:2 Iceland - WC Qualifying Group

Odds

Republic of Ireland 11/10

Iceland 13/5

Draw 11/5

(Odds taken from Bet365)

Republic of Ireland v Iceland Predictions

Even though the Republic of Ireland’s last friendly win was an exciting 4-0 against Oman, they usually have a habit of playing out dreary games when nothing is at stake. The players will be forgiven for easing up on the intensity with just a few days before their next games at club level. A dour draw looks the most likely outcome.

To accompany my prediction of a stalemate at the Aviva, I found odds of 11/5 with Bet365 for a draw. I like the look of Ladbrokes odds of 6/4 for there to be under 1.5 goals in the game too. If you are as confident as I am about the kind of game we are in for, then Ladbrokes also offer 6/1 odds on a 0-0 final score.

Our Tips

Draw 11/5 Bet365

Under 1.5 goals 6/4 Ladbrokes

0-0 6/1 Ladbrokes