The Spread

Back a draw with Poland

✽ Ireland’s prospects for Euro 2016 qualification are the top of the list this week as international soccer takes centre stage.

Small sample sizes are the bane of bettors. Soccer’s sheer number of games at club level usually allows punters to make adjustments here and there. In simple terms, there’s enough data to trust your judgment even if your bet doesn’t end up winning.

The international game is radically different. Prior to this ...