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

Republic of Ireland, along with Wales and Northern Ireland, were one of a few teams to really impress in the summer. They managed to qualify from a tough group that included Italy, Belgium, and Sweden to make it to the knockout stages of the competition.

They then took an early lead against tournament hosts France in the first knockout round, but eventually the French quality shone through and they won 2-1. However, considering they weren’t even expected to qualify for the tournament this can be considered a very impressive run from them.

Republic of Ireland’s elimination from the tournament was followed by the announcement that captain and record goalscorer Robbie Keane would retire from his international duties, but manager Martin O’Neill has convinced him to play one last swansong back at home. This will be his 146th and final appearance, and hopefully his 68th goal for his national team.

This match may be a testimonial to a national legend to the Irish fans, but to the team and the manager this is preparation for their looming World Cup qualification stage. They face Serbia on Monday as they begin their quest to outdo Austria, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, and Wales to make it to Russia in two years time.

Whilst Republic of Ireland’s qualification period is about to begin, Oman’s has already ended. They finished 2nd in their 2nd Round qualifying group behind Iran and were subsequently eliminated from the competition.

Last time out them won at home to Turkmenistan, but prior to that they had lost to New Zealand, Turkmenistan, and Iran in a run of three defeats in four matches. Away from home they have lost five of their last nine matches, whilst Republic of Ireland have lost just one of their last 13 home games, winning seven of them.

Republic of Ireland have a far better squad than Oman and the home advantage should result in a fairly comfortable victory for the hosts. They have beaten far higher quality opposition in Ireland recently, including Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. I fancy a Republic of Ireland -1.5 Asian Handicap Win at 1.825 to go along with an efficient 2-0 correct score prediction at 4/1.