Midweek International Matches-Germany v England.
Old rivals Germany and England meet tonight in Berlin and a close encounter is predicted between the two old enemies.
Both teams have been disrupted by call-offs and injuries, but England will be short of a number of key players and while it does mean that Capello will have the chance to look at some new players there’s no doubt that it will affect the performance of the team.
England and Germany last met in a friendly in 2007, when Germany won 2-1. That was the first meeting between the teams since England had beaten the Germans 5-1 in 2001.
We don’t expect to see another England display like the 5-1 victory tonight, but think the outcome is more likely to be closer to the 2-1 score line the last time the two teams met.
Although it’s a friendly we expect both teams to be desperate to win the match and w expect it to be very competitive. Germany are 6/5 (Paddypower) to get a win and having won four and drawn one of their last five matches that doesn’t look to be too bad a price given they have home advantage.
England are available at 13/5 (Bet365) and they go into this match with a record of 3 wins 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last five matches. We think the number of call-offs may have more of an adverse effect on England and disrupt the continuity they seem to have found and that may give Germany the slight edge.
A draw 23/10 (Ladbrokes) is a possibility, but we’re going for a narrow win for Germany. The 2-1 correct score is our prediction and that is available at 9/1 (Betfair)
For first goalscorer bets we’d take a chance on Jermaine Defoe 9/1 (Coral) for England and in the German camp Miroslav Klose at 11/2 (Skybet) looks a good bet considering he has already scored three goals in games against England.
Scotland play Argentina at Hampden and even at odds of 4/1 (Partybets) we don’t think it’s worth taking a chance on the Scots getting a win. Scotland haven’t won a friendly at home in Eleven matches and even although Argentina are missing one or two big names they should be far too good for Scotland and we strongly recommend an away win 8/13 (VCbet).
We’re selecting a 2-0 win for Argentina 11/2 (Partybets) and a bet on Sergio Aguero to be first goalscorer at 5/1 (Coral) looks worth taking.