Posted on 25 Mar 2011 at 10:59 AM by
Formex
This weekend is dominated by internationals with the Euro 2012 qualifiers taking centre stage. Fortunately there are a couple of decent betting opportunities hidden away and it does gives us a chance to draw breath as the Premier League takes a break before reaching what looks sure to be an exciting climax.
John Terry has been reinstated as England captain ahead of the clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday and although the change has brought about much comment in the press the “Bridge affair” is a distant memory and it is unlikely to have any real effect on the game which should see a straightforward victory for England.
The Welsh will have to do without the injured Gareth Bale so Craig Bellamy will be the only star name playing while the rest of the side will comprise Championship and League One players and together they have little to worry Capello’s side. The odds are cramped and don’t offer much in the way of betting value, but that remark doesn’t apply to the group d match between Bosnia and Romania.
Bosnia have shown some reasonable form of late, drawing in Albania and winning in Luxembourg and losing narrowly at home to France and Portugal. Romania on the other hand have been poor with a solitary win over the Faroe Islands the highlight in the last few months. Bosnia are freely available at odds-against and as such they represent a decent bet to take all three points.
Ireland, who host Macedonia and Bulgaria who entertain Switzerland look too close to call and whilst draws maybe the best option we can play confidently on Norway who have home advantage in Oslo against Denmark.
This Scandinavian clash has been priced up with the home side comfortably at odds-against and this certainly appeals and Norway are taken to maintain their hundred percent record in group h. Wins in Iceland and Cyprus read well enough but their 1-0 win at home to Portugal, who went on to beat Denmark 3-1, really catches the eye.
As always late team news is vital but unless Norway are missing some key names they look tremendous value to continue winning ways and are a must bet proposition.
With each side having only eight or nine games to play the Premier League enters its final stages next week. Man United have faltered in the last fortnight but those queuing up behind have hardly set the pulse racing of late and only our pre-season fancy Chelsea appear capable of mounting any real challenge.
A nine-point gap may well be too much for the Blues to bridge but with a game in hand and a trip to Old Trafford to come there is still hope that they can retain their title. A fascinating few weeks is in store for all.