Wales v Ireland: Nations League predictions, free betting tips & TV

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Wales v Ireland in the Nations League on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 5pm Sunday

Best bet

Wales
1pt 11-10 bet365, Betfred, BoyleSports

Team news

Wales
Injured pair Ben Cabango and Aaron Ramsey have withdrawn from the squad.

Ireland
Alan Browne (Covid-19) has joined Callum Robinson (Covid-19) and injured duo Aaron Connolly and Darragh Lenihan on the sidelines.

Match preview

Wales have dropped just two points in four matches in Nations League Group B4 and they can remain on course for promotion by beating Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The majority of Wales's big-hitters were not involved in Thursday's tedious 0-0 draw at home to the United States but caretaker-manager Robert Page is set to deploy a full-strength side to take on the Irish, including captain Gareth Bale, who had been making steady progress since his return to Tottenham.

Bale started both of their last two matches and his improving fitness is a key advantage for the Welsh, who have had to rely on defensive solidity to stay ahead of sectional rivals Finland, Ireland and Bulgaria.

They have reeled off four successive Nations League clean sheets, including last month's 0-0 draw in Dublin which was largely devoid of clear-cut chances.

As well as Bale, Wales should benefit from the return to form and fitness of Bournemouth winger David Brooks, who signed off for the international break with two goals in the Cherries' 3-1 success at Birmingham.

Wales's attacking options are more abundant than they have been for some time and Page's side may need to score only once to see off an Ireland team languishing in third in the section with just two points.

Ireland's remaining motivation is to try to stay above Bulgaria in the battle to avoid relegation, but they head to the Welsh capital without several key players.

Premier League forwards Aaron Connolly and Callum Robinson withdrew from the squad prior to the 3-0 loss to England on Thursday and Stephen Kenny's resources have been further weakened by a positive Covid-19 test for midfielder Alan Browne, who was one of their best players at Wembley.

Browne's energy and creativity will be missed and Ireland look short of quality in attack with Championship trio Sean Maguire, Adam Idah and James Collins and League One forward Ronan Curtis jostling for places.

Ireland were brushed aside by a largely second-string England outfit and, while they should be more competitive against Wales, a second defeat in four days is on the cards.

Key stat

Wales are unbeaten in their last nine competitive fixtures.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits.

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport