France vs Ireland Odds - French defense holds out for a draw in Ireland
The sportsbook odds for Saturday’s playoff match between France and Ireland are very close, as the winner will look for an advantage to take into Wednesday’s match in France. Both teams are strong defensively, and the Irish are very good at home, but the French have enough talent to take a point away from this match, even without one of their star midfielders.
France vs Ireland odds: France +135; Ireland +175; Draw +200
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France vs Ireland odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
France finished second to Serbia in Group 7, and they won the last two matches of their stage by a combined score of 8-1. The Irish edged Bulgaria by four points to take second place in Group 8, but they didn’t make it easy, drawing their last two games at home. France has made the last three World Cups, including their 1998 win, while Ireland missed the 2006 World Cup. It’s tough to say who has more to lose by missing out this year.
Betting Edge: Draw
France vs Ireland odds maker breakdown: Offense
The French attack is led by Thierry Henry, whose 51 goals is the most in the history of the team. 24-year-old Andre Pierre Gignac has four goals along with Henry, and Nicolas Anelka is also available. However, the French were dealt a blow as midfielder Franck Ribery has a knee injury and won’t be about to play. Ribery is a big key to France’s online sports betting odds, as he is their best attacking midfielder.
Ireland’s main threat is Robbie Keane, who netted five goals in 10 matches, then it’s a scoring-by-committee type of team. Damien Duff and Aidan McGready will be counted on to push forward from midfield, especially in the first game of this two-legged playoff at home.
Betting Edge: France
France vs Ireland odds maker breakdown: Defense
France has allowed nine goals in 10 matches, and William Gallas marshals a sold back four. However, many are questioning the omission of Patrick Vieria, the defensive midfielder who is fifth in most games played for the national team, and Vieria is just starting to round into form for his club team, Inter Milan.
Ireland has gone one better, allowing only eight goals, and Shay Given is one of the most underrated keepers in Europe. Richard Dunne and Given two of three Ireland players to play all 900 minutes of the campaign so far, and Dunne will be essential to watching out for Henry and/or Anelka.
Betting Edge: Ireland
France vs Ireland odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Ribery (knee) has battled injuries for the last couple of years, so France is used to having him out of the lineup.
Ireland have no major injury concerns to worry themselves over.
Betting Edge: Ireland
France vs Ireland odds maker breakdown: Totals
Given the defensive strength of these two teams, there shouldn’t be many goals scored in this contest. Ireland will be more apt to push forward at home, but do they have the talent?
Pick: UNDER 2.5
France vs Ireland betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Ireland will have lots of confidence coming into this game, as they haven’t lost in nine matches under Geovanni Trappatoni, and they haven’t lost in nine matches at Croke Park. France is in slightly disarray as they haven’t exactly lit the qualifying stage alight with their play. However, they have enough to earn a draw, and possibly snatch a vital away goal before Wednesday’s match in France. Ireland will work hard, but they just don’t have the talent.
TODD’S PICK: Draw +200
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