Wales v Northern Ireland: Thomas Giles’ betting tip

The second British derby of the tournament takes place in the last 16 match on Saturday between Wales and Northern Ireland. While the Welsh population may have voted for Brexit in the recent EU referendum, their football team are showing no signs of leaving Europe just yet after finishing top of Group B despite being favourites to finish bottom before the competition kicked off.

Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU and their football team managed to also remain in the Euros after a shock third-placed finish in Group C – one of the ‘groups of death’.

Wales have so far been one of the teams of the tournament – putting teams under pressure with their high pressing game and making sure they take their chances when they win the ball back. Their superstar Gareth Bale has also handled the pressure of the entire hopes of a nation being on his shoulders and is currently joint top scorer at the Euros with three goals.

Northern Ireland have played to their strengths – allowing their excellent defence to soak up pressure before hitting on the counter. Their impressive 2-0 win over dark horse Ukraine showed that they can win matches at the highest level.

Before the tournament, odds on a Wales win would have seen a good return but now, at 21/20, it seems everybody believes in the Red Dragons and the value has diminished. I think Chris Coleman’s will win this match so it is about looking in other markets for decent value. Although I think the Welsh will make it to the Quarter Finals, being a British derby I see this being close so have gone with Wales to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 at 6/4.

Enhanced odds! To get ‘Bale To Score & Wales To Win’ @ 5/2 (was 21/10) click here. 

Get all of today’s tips here.