Punters back Republic of Ireland as Gareth Bale will miss the final two World Cup qualifiers.
The European qualifiers are going down to the wire in Group D. Wales and the Republic of Ireland are separated by one point with two games left. They face each other in Cardiff next Monday, in what looks like a straight shootout for second place - unless Ireland manage to slip up at home to Moldova on Friday.
We’ve seen a big shift in the betting, all because of one man – Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid winger has been ruled out of Wales’ final two matches, leaving Irish supporters rejoicing this afternoon. Today, we’ve seen 85.71% of bets on who will qualify from Group D be placed on the Republic of Ireland. To put that into context, 75% of bets last week were placed on Wales.
Wales haven't won without Gareth Bale since 2013.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 3, 2017
He's been ruled out of the next two World Cup qualifiers.
https://t.co/5eJpIOHHqv pic.twitter.com/wPLf7FsUVj
Chris Coleman’s Wales side remain favourites to qualify at 2/1, whilst Ireland can be backed at 5/1. Of course, this does mean either side would have to finish within the top 8 highest second placed teams (from 9), although you would think six points from either sides last two matches should clear that barrier.
Could this be the turning point that sees the Boys In Green on their way to Russia? Or will Liverpool teenage Ben Woodburn step in for Wales and make a hero of himself?
Oddschecker spokeman, George Elek: “Wales are still in the driving seat for qualification from Group D, as they sit in second by a point. However, losing a player like Gareth Bale would hurt any team. Punters seem to think this will be enough for Martin O’Neill’s Ireland to book their plane instead.”
