Rep.Ireland v Denmark: Expect another nervy contest in Dublin

Only three spots remain for next summer’s World Cup in Russia, and tonight we’ll discover which of the Republic of Ireland or Denmark bags one of them.

The two sides played out a 0-0 draw in Copenhagen, a result which ensures tonight’s tie in Dublin hangs firmly in the balance.

Our traders give the Danes a narrow edge in the betting. The 1992 European Championship winners are 8/5 to win the game in 90 minutes, and are odds-on at 4/6 to go through.

That leaves the Boys in Green at 2/1 for a famous victory at the Aviva Stadium, with 11/10 saying they reach the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

But these play-offs – in Europe and across the globe – have proven remarkably cautious.

Each of the last six play-off results have ended 0-0. Nations have been desperate to avoid defeat rather than risk going for victory.

So the draw in Dublin is an appealing 17/10. Another 0-0 is 17/4, while 1-1 is similarly priced up at 24/5.

Or you could cover yourself and go draw and under 2.5 goals at 2/1.

The odds may lean towards Denmark, but the Irish shouldn’t be discounted.

Martin O’Neill’s men have lost only one of their last 13 competitive games on home soil, while Denmark have failed to win six of their last 10 away qualifiers.

And in James McClean, Ireland boast a player who likes to turn up when it matters.

The 28-year-old was ROI’s top-scorer in Group D, and netted both winners in the crucial away games in Wales and Austria.

McClean is 8/1 to net first and 16/5 anytime.

For the Danes, their magic man is Christian Eriksen.

The Tottenham Hotspur ace was Denmark’s top scorer with six goals, and had scored in six consecutive games before Saturday’s 0-0.

Eriksen is arguably the most talented player on either side. We’re 15/2 he scores first and 3/1 for what could be a vital away goal at any time.

Click here for all our Republic of Ireland v Denmark odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing