World Cup
2008-09-06 - Andorra vs England
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
FIFA World Cup 2010 European Qualifiers
Saturday 6th September 2008 - KO 19:00
So the time has come for the Italian football legend Fabio Capello to prove his worth as a manager.
ANALYSIS
Capello’s England side has it’s first meaningful match in the not-too-challenging climates of Andorra. After the lacklustre 2-2 draw with Czech Republic last month fan confidence is decidedly low, thanks in part to Steve McLaren’s soul-destroying reign.
Under Capello so far England have been far from convincing, but then again are they ever in friendlies? Although this is the first World Cup qualifier, the first real test will be away to Croatia next week – surely the hardest fixture of the whole World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign.
It’s hard to take anything out of England friendlies, but it’s becoming more and more obvious that England won’t be playing ‘sexy’ football anytime soon.
In which case, Capello will need to ensure each of these qualifiers finish with three points in the bag. That shouldn’t be a problem on Saturday, seeing as Andorra lost their opening match away to those ‘powerhouses’ Kazakhstan 3-0. Three points in the bag indeed.
What will be interesting is seeing who Capello starts with up front. Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe looked like strangers together against Czech Republic, and you get the feeling Emile Heskey may be required to form a real strike partnership.
Meanwhile Jimmy Bullard could make a shock debut in midfield, something that was unthinkable 18 months ago following a career-threatening ankle injury.
Just a thought though ... Heskey, Bullard .. is this really England?
BETTING INFORMATION
Andorra have not scored in their last 10 competitive international games at home, losing nine of them and also drawing 0-0 with Finland.
England won 3-0 here during their Euro2008 campaign, and Andorra have lost 7 of their last 21 home internationals by a 3-0 scoreline.
And just one thing before you go expecting double figures - the last game played here only finished Andorra 0-1 Russia!
THE VERDICT
OK - so England will win - almost everyone is going to pick that.
Perhaps the best way to play is to cover three correct scores to level stakes, which should enable you to double your money if we land it.
The Pick :
An easy England win 3-0, 4-0 or 5-0?
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take a handful of winning scores - I'll go with :- England 3-0 @ 6.50 at Eurobet
- England 4-0 @ 6.50 at VC Bet
- England 5-0 @ 8.00 at Ladbrokes
A tenner on each would mean a return of around £70 and a good profit. Choose your own scores if you don't like mine - but make sure you get good pricing.
