World Cup
2008-09-06 - Wales vs Azerbaijan
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
FIFA World Cup 2010 European Qualifiers
Saturday 6th September 2008 - KO 15:00
ANALYSIS
Now that Ryan Giggs has hung up his international boots it seems the weight of the Welsh success rests heavily on Craig Bellamy’s shoulders. Sod’s law then that he’s been out for a year through injury, and again he misses out this weekend.
John Toshack faces a huge injury crisis going into this game (Bellamy, Freddy Eastwood, Danny Gabbidon and James Collins), so it’s lucky that lowly Azerbaijan are the opponents.
It’s looking likely that Fulham’s Simon Davies and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale will be the best known faces on the pitch, which isn’t a good sign for Toshack or the Welsh public.
One player who will be looking to make a name for himself is Arsenal’s new recruit Aaron Ramsey. The 17-year-old has the world at his feet in a Wales side lacking midfield quality, and he could make his debut on Saturday.
Wales need a new hero, and Ramsey could be that man.
From Azerbaijan’s point of view a draw will be regarded as success, considering they’ve only won one game in two years, and that was at home to Finland.
Naturally the team sheet is best left alone; the only thing of note is that Berti Vogts is the Azerbaijani manager. But after his dismal spell at Scotland that shouldn’t have Wales quaking in their boots.
BETTING INFORMATION
Wales have played Azerbaijan twice in the last three qualification series, winning 4-0 in 2003, and 2-0 in 2005.
Azerbaijan have lost 11 of their last 12 away competitive fixtures, and scored just 2 goals in that run. The draw was a 1-1 result in Kazakhstan.
THE VERDICT
Wales don't have a great interenational record, but as their recent results against Azerbaijan shows they do OK against the minnows.
Sure - there is a long list of injuries - but that's probably what is keeping the pricesw up.
The Pick :
A Wales win by a couple of goals
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take WALES to win.
