Moldova vs Republic of Ireland Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Moldova’s dismal existence in the world of football continued on Thursday as they played out another heavy defeat, this time a 3-0 loss at home to Serbia. This followed on from their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Wales and made it four defeats in a row.

Their last victory came away to fellow minnows Andorra back in March, but that is their only victory in the last two years. Moldova have lost nine of their last 11 games in all competitions, which ultimately led to them finishing rock bottom of their Euro 2016 qualifying group with just two points from their ten games.

Republic of Ireland managed to finish 3rd in their Euro 2016 qualifiers, and after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina in the playoffs they then managed to get four points from their three Euro 2016 group games and surprisingly make it to the knockout stages. The dream looked set to continue when they took an early lead against France, but Antoine Griezmann’s brilliance saw them knocked out of the tournament after a 2-1 defeat.

The Irish are rightly proud of their national team’s showing in France though, and the team themselves have bounced back excellently. They beat Oman 4-0 in a friendly, with Robbie Keane netting in his final ever showing in a Republic of Ireland shirt.

They followed this with a 2-2 draw away to Serbia and then beat Georgia 1-0 at home in midweek. This puts the visitors 4th in the group, but they are only behind top spot holders Wales on goal difference.

This World Cup qualification group could be incredibly tight. There is just one automatic qualifying spot and a potential playoff spot up for grabs, and Wales, Serbia, Austria, and Republic of Ireland will all feel they have a chance of claiming one of them.

Moldova have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last ten games in all competitions and in each of their last four on home turf. Republic of Ireland aren’t known for their high scoring ways, but they will feel they have the beating of Moldova at the back. I think backing Republic of Ireland Over 1.5 Team Goals at 4/5 is a good value bet, so I’m going for that along with a 2-0 correct score prediction at 5/1.