Chris Wood anytime goalscorer odds look very generous on Thursday as he pulls on a New Zealand jersey for an international friendly in Dublin.
The All Whites aren’t as lauded as their Kiwi counterparts in rugby, but their in-form centre forward can give hosts the Republic of Ireland plenty to think about.
Burnley frontman Wood has scored five in his last five Premier League games. That is a purple patch if ever there was one.
Such fine club form can cross over onto international duty, so bookmakers are underestimating Wood.
Those goals have pushed Burnley into the top half of the Premier League table. Most of the Irish defenders marking him play for teams in and around the Clarets at club level.
Given his current form, Wood looks overpriced at 4/1 with Betfair as an anytime goalscorer for New Zealand.
While New Zealand haven’t played a lot of international football recently, their star striker is perfect for this fixture.
Why Chris Wood anytime goalscorer odds appeal
Wood will relish the physical battle with Ireland’s rearguard. Mick McCarthy isn’t exactly at full strength defensively for this game.
The Irish have conceded goals at home in their last two internationals in Dublin. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their previous six matches.
What McCarthy wouldn’t give to have a proven goalscorer in his ranks like Wood. He has a fine international record of 24 goals in 56 caps – almost one every other game.
If Wood can score against Premier League high-fliers Leicester City, then he should be more than capable of doing likewise here.
In relation to a range of home forward options, the odds on offer for the Kiwi to grab a goal look real value.
As Ireland have a more important do or die Euro 2020 qualifier against Denmark coming up, this looks a nice opportunity for Wood to net.
Bet of the Day: 4/1 with Betfair, Chris Wood anytime goalscorer in Republic of Ireland v New Zealand.
