Results:
Ireland 1-2 Sweden
Romania 3-0 Hungary
Poland 1-1 Montenegro
TREBLE LOST
Goals Galore produces an international special this week as we take a break from our domestic duties. We are now into the final third of the World Cup Qualifiers as teams go all out to seal a place in Brazil next year. It really is heating up as there are many teams at the top competing against each other in must-win games which will only help us bash the bookies.
Republic of Ireland v Sweden 7.45pm
Both teams to score odds: 4/5 Betfred
We kick off our treble in Group C where Ireland play hosts to Sweden; they both have achieved identical points presently, with just goal difference the separator. Goal difference also means both sides are outside the play off position as Austria currently hold that spot behind group leaders Germany who also face each other in this round of fixtures.
If one team can come out on top between Ireland and Sweden it will be a huge ask for the other to get back in the mix before the end of the campaign. All this means that a win is vital for both camps, add to this to a key stat: apart from one game, both teams have scored in every match they have played in qualification. The 0-0 was actually the reverse fixture earlier in the year but this was game four in the group with far less riding on it, times have changed as will the scoreline. Expect a cracker in Dublin.
Romania v Hungary 7.00pm
Both teams to score odds: 4/5 Betfred
Two unlikely candidates are vying for a place in Brazil, Hungary and Romania who currently hold third and second respectively, this fixture is potentially match of the week as whoever wins is likely to take the play off place behind run away leaders the Netherlands who sit pretty on maximum points.
Just the single point separates the two, Hungary hold the advantage meaning the home side, Romania have to go for the victory, however Hungary still have the play Holland once more so three points for them are also vital. Last time they met it was 2-2 which would be perfect for us once more.
Hungary haven’t yet left a qualifier without scoring a goal and Romania almost have the same record if it wasn’t for a 4-0 loss last time out against, yes you guessed it, leaders Holland. I fully expect this to be an open game and one to watch for the neutral
Poland v Montenegro 7.45pm
Both teams to score odds: Evens Betfred
Group H is our final destination in a great match up for goals galore, as Poland take on group leaders Montenegro in a home tie. This game also has a lot riding on it as the visitors cannot drop a point with England and Ukraine just behind them.
A win for Poland however will give them a shout for qualification and a defeat will put them out of the running. Poland were great for goals when they hosted the European Championships and at home are guaranteed goals, they have also scored in every game in the group thus far.
Montenegro have been the surprise package in the group having only lost the single game and scoring in every game bar one. The reverse fixture took place almost one year ago in a fiery 2-2 draw, both sides having a man sent off; this should be another intense and open game.
