Wales v England Preview
Friday has big match between Serbia and Northern Ireland, but Saturday has an even bigger Euro 2012 match between Wales and England in Group G at Millennium Stadium. England are the favourites to win the match with Wales as big outsiders.
John Terry will take over as captain of England despite infamously losing it last year. England are second in Group G after a 0-0 draw to Montenegro. After a disappointing World Cup campaign, Fabio Capello has his hands full again. He is hoping Wayne Rooney’s improved play will be on display on Saturday. Rooney is the favourite to score first with 7/2 odds at Paddy Powder. Darren Bent has scored twice in his last two international football attempts, but Andy Carroll will start and has 9/2 odds to score first. Bent has 4/1 odds to do the same.
For Wales, Tottenham’s Gareth Bale of the Premier League is out with a hamstring injury so Craig Bellamy is their favourite to score first with 11/1 odds at Paddy Powder. On loan at Cardiff, Bellamy has only eight goals in 26 starts but he will have plenty of motivation against England. James Collins will be ready to go, but Sam Ricketts and Rob Earnshaw are out. Wales have lost each of their three matches in the Euro 2012 qualifying competition and have scored just one goal in four matches, while allowing six second half goals in their last three fixtures. A half time draw and full time England win is worth a look at 3/1 odds at Paddy Powder.
England have scored in 11 of 13 matches and won five of their last six away qualifying fixtures. It will be a big challenge for new boss Gary Speed in front of a full Millennium Stadium against a side that is 110 places above them in the world rankings. Wales and England last met in Cardiff in 2006. A Joe Cole goal gave England the win.
Wales v England Match Odds (supplied by Paddy Powder)
Wales: 8/1
Draw: 10/3
England: 2/5