Ireland v Wales – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, and Betting Odds – Friendly – 8 February 2011
The 2011 Carling Nations Cup kicks off with a match between the Republic of Ireland and Wales. The match will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:45 GMT (UK time), 20:45 CET (Central Europe), and 14:45 EST (USA Eastern).
Ireland v Wales TV Listings
It will be televised on S4C (Wales), Sky Sports 1 (UK), EuroSport (Europe), and Al Jazeera Sport (Middle East).
Ireland v Wales Preview
Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni
“This will be a good opportunity for the young players,” said Trap. “Clark is playing left-back for Aston Villa at the moment but can play a number of positions.
“Now, we have a group of about 30 to 35 good players to choose from, much more than when I started in the job.
“There must be balance to our team against Wales. They have some good players, especially (Gareth) Bale.
“It is an opportunity for new players but we must not forget about improving our ranking from friendly matches.”
“I spoke with Robbie and said that he should go (to another club) if he can get games. Robbie and Shay Given are important players within our squad. The older players give the young security.”
Wales manager Gary Speed
“James is captain. With the withdrawals and the game on Sunday it would be very tough for me to name a permanent captain as yet.
“It’s given me time to meet the lads, be around the camp and see what’s going on. We’ll make a permanent decision before the England game.”
“It is a busy time of the season. I’ve been in touch with the boys.
“Gareth (Bale) and a few others have been down to see me. It is in the middle of the season, a tough schedule and you are going to expect withdrawals.
“I don’t think the commitment of the players who are not here is in doubt and the withdrawals have made the job a bit easier.”
Squads
Republic of Ireland: Shay Given (Manchester City); John O’Shea (Manchester United), Sean St Ledger (Preston NE), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa); Seamus Coleman (Everton), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Derby County) or Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Damien Duff (Fulham); Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Kevin Doyle (Wolves).
Wales: Wayne Hennessey, Neal Eardley, Sam Ricketts, Danny Collins, James Collins, Andrew Crofts, David Vaughan, Andy King, Simon Church, Robert Earnshaw, Hal Robson-Kanu, Jason Brown, Chris Gunter, Jermaine Easter, Freddy Eastwood, Joe Ledley, Ashley Williams, Andy Dorman, Darcy Blake, Sam Vokes, Lewin Nyatanga, Lewis Price
Ireland v Wales Prediction
Ireland wins 2-1
Ireland v Wales Betting Odds
Ireland win – 4/6
Draw – 5/2
Wales win – 4/1
Ireland v Wales Live Online
The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV.
