World Cup Qualifiers
England v Croatia
England will qualify for South Africa 2010 if they can pick up a point from their match against Croatia and Ukraine don’t win in Belarus. England won easily in Zagreb in the away tie and we can’t see any reason why they should be too worried by Croatia tonight.
Croatia are 11/2 (Paddypower) to get a win, but we think that is an unlikely outcome as they have injury problems and will be without a couple of key players. England have suffered defeat at the hands of the Croatians before and although the pressure will be on England to get the win in front of their own fans they should be good enough to get the win.
We’re predicting an England win 8/13 (Ladbrokes) and tipping a 1-0 correct score 11/2 (Skybet). We think a small bet on Gareth Barry at 25/1 (Paddypower) can give a return.
Scotland v Holland
Scotland beat Macedonia on Saturday to just leave them the task of beating Holland to have a chance of making the play offs. Scotland defended poorly in the first half of the match on Saturday and if they play like that again they will be beaten heavily. Holland are unbeaten in the group and look a class above their opponents.
We expect Scotland 12/5 (Bet365) to battle hard but we can’t see them upsetting the Dutch. We think that class will tell in this match and Holland look a very generous price at 6/5 (Paddypower) and we think they shouldn’t be missed at that price.
We’re going for a win for Holland with a 3-1 scoreline 20/1 (Coral). Dirk Kuyt 7/1 (Ladbrokes) is our selection to score the first goal.
Norther Ireland v Slovakia
Northern Ireland can go top of their group tonight with a win over current group leaders Slovakia at Windsor Park. Nigel Worthington’s team got a fantastic point away in Poland at the weekend and have now given themselves a real chance of qualification.
Thus game is going to be pretty tight as we’re sure Slovakia will be happy to come and take a point. The under 2.5 goals at 8/11 (Coral) should be considered as we do think there will be few chances in this match.
Our prediction here is a win for Northern Ireland 6/4 (Ladbrokes). A 1-0 scoreline 7/1 (Skybet) has chances and David Healy 13/2 (Paddypower) is our selection to be first goalscorer.
Wales v Russia
Wales have a tough looking task at home to Russia who are challenging Germany at the top of group 4. Wales went down narrowly in Russia earlier in the campaign by 2-1 after a good display and while we think they will put in another brave performance, Russia at odds of 4/7 (Bet365) look the better betting option.
We’re taking Russia to win and are going with the 2-1 scoreline 15/2 (Skybet).
Malta v Sweden
Sweden are still pushing for a play off place in their group and they can improve their chances by winning away against minnows Malta. In this match we think a bet on a 3-0 correct score could be the bet to be on at odds of 5/1 (Ladbrokes).
Moldova v Greece
Greece can keep their chances of winning Group 2 alive with a win in Moldova and at 2/5 (Bet365) against a team who haven’t won a match so far in the group they look a banker bet.