Republic of Ireland v Denmark Betting: Tense clash as both sides vie for World Cup place

Following an uninspiring goalless draw in Copenhagen on Saturday night, both Republic of Ireland and Denmark know that victory in Dublin will send them to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The first-leg of this clash was a nervy affair, with quality at a premium, but Martin O’Neill’s men will feel that they are in the driving seat to reach Russia having held on for a goalless draw despite Age Hareide’s side having dominated possession in the home leg.

Ireland earned a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the away leg of their 2016 European Championship play-off victory before a 2-0 victory in the home leg secured a place at the finals for the Boys in Green; Paddy Power go 6/4 (2.50) that O’Neill’s charges deliver in Dublin once again, while the same firm offer 11/1 (12.0) that history repeats itself with Republic of Ireland enjoying a 2-0 victory on their own patch.

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Denmark will be disappointed that they failed to establish a first-leg lead on home soil, but keeping a clean sheet in Copenhagen could well prove pivotal at the end of this tie, and as such Hareide’s charges can be backed at 15/8 (2.88) with Paddy Power to qualify for next summer’s showpiece with a famous victory at Aviva Stadium, while the same firm go 21/10 (3.10) that the match remains level at the end of 90 minutes.

Another goalless draw would see this tie go to extra-time and, potentially, a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out, and Paddy Power go 11/2 (6.50) that neither team is able to find the net inside 90 minutes in the Irish capital.

O’Neill’s charges are chalked up as a 5/4 (2.25) chance to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002, while Denmark can be backed at 4/7 (1.57) with the same firm to secure their place in Russia – a score draw would guarantee that the Danes progress.

On the strength of Saturday’s showdown in Copenhagen, another tight, tense tussle seems likely and Paddy Power offer just 1/2 (1.50) that fewer than three goals are scored when this rivalry is renewed, while the odds compilers offer 8/11 (1.73) that either nation fails to find the net.

Better value, however, could lie in backing a solitary goal to decide Tuesday’s tie and Paddy Power’s 13/8 (2.63) quote for fewer than two goals to be scored could well provide punters with a path to profit; the selection would have landed in three of Ireland’s last four fixtures, as well as in five of the last eight competitive matches that the Boys in Green have contested on home turf.