Past meetings: There’s good news for Scotland and Wales

However the Republic of Ireland always lose away to Italy

chickendinner have put the records of all the home nations against their midweek opponents into a handy table to help you decide where there is money to be made betting on the World Cup qualifiers.

Scotland’s 100% record against Iceland makes the general 4/7 being offered on the home win look less stingy but hopes of the Republic of Ireland taking a point against Italy in Bari at 3/1with Bet365 are damaged by the fact the sides have never drawn in eight meetings. Does the fact Wales have won half of their meetings with Germany in Cardiff tempt you to back an unlikely home win at 7/1 with Boylesports?

Check out all the information in the table below before making your mind up:

Posted: March 31st, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Victory over Bulgaria could put Ireland in a great position

Ireland/Bulgaria, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

If other results go their way on Saturday then Ireland could move ten points clear of their rivals for the Group 8 play-off place with victory over Bulgaria, allowing them to travel to Italy on Wednesday with nothing to lose.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side are already seven points clear thanks to the fact nobody besides themselves and Italy have won a game and with Dimitar Berbatov missing out for Bulgaria things have been set up nicely for Ireland to follow their rugby success with qualification to the football World Cup:

» Bulgaria have gone five games without a win and lasted tasted victory in a friendly away to Bosnia last August.

» Ireland on the other hand have lost just one of their last eight and are unbeaten in their four World Cup qualifiers, winning three.

Posted: March 26th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment