No such thing as 'friendly' with O'Neil
Recommending a bet in a friendly is always something of a poisoned chalice.
But tonight’s Republic of Ireland v Latvia clash at the Aviva Stadium has added zest with it being the first game under the tenure of Martin O’Neil who will no doubt be keen to get off to a good start – friendly or no friendly.
In typical forthright style O’Neil is very clear about his expectations.
He said: “I don’t want the players to treat these like friendly games. I told them that last night.”
“These are very, very important. It’s a bit like I would have treated pre-season, which was all about the players getting fit.”
“If I was going into a club for the first time, the first time I was meeting the players was in pre-season, then pre-season became very important.”
The reality though is that match marks a new dawn for the Republic having disappointingly failed to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil – the same fate that has struck tonight’s opponents Latvia.
So in reality there is little at stake apart from pride and an opportunity for Ireland’s players to impress their new boss.
In front of their own fans, this should be a strong enough combination to see Ireland record a comfortable success.
They have beaten Latvia in four previous meetings stretching back to the 1992. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then and from Ireland’s sake let’s hope it really is the start of a better future.
I’m a buyer with Star Spreads at around 1.65 on the supremacy index.
ADVICE
BUY IRELAND/LATVIA at around 1.65.
- Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
- Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.
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