Republic of Ireland vs Wales

This is the first match of the Nations cup tournament but it is more likely to be seen by the teams and coaches as a friendly, a lot of players have dropped out for both teams already but luckily enough both managers have picked the starting 11 and on looking at them i think the ROI are worth a bet.

The players from both teams are mainly Premiership in defense, but i would give the edge to the ROI as Dunne, o'Shea and St Ledger have a lot of experience playing together at international level, they are a settled unit and have young Ciaran Clark from Villa starting at left back who will hopefully be a replacement long term for Kilbane. Wales defense is quite strong as well but its in midfield and attack where i feel ROI could dominate, Wales start only Vaughan from Blackpool in the prem, the 2 strikers both play their trade in the Championship as do the other 3 midfielders, and while they are decent players they will be up against Duff(fulham)Gibson(ManU)Whelan and Walters(Stoke)Coleman(Everton) and the ever impressive big lump Kevin Doyle from Wolves up front with Walters.

That is a stronger unit in my opinion and with them playin in front of a home crowd i expect them to get a result, Doyler looks like a good shout to grab the first goal.

A note of caution would be it is only really a friendly and Trapattoni the ROI coach has already said he will use all 6 subs to see how the do, the Wales coach Gary Speed will be looking for a win in his 1st game in charge but with so many players crying off i think the team available are up against it