All articles by: Elliott Jackson

England vs Italy – Match Preview

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England vs Italy
Friday 23rd March 2018
International Friendly, Wembley Stadium 

Live on ITV 1, Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT

England vs Italy: England will be hoping to back up their victory over Holland on Friday night with a win against Italy.

Gareth Southgate’s men came out triumphant in Amsterdam, with Jesse Lingard grabbing the only goal of the match. The Manchester United forward divides opinion in England but there is no doubting his habit of scoring important goals in crucial games. In the absence of Harry Kane, Southgate gave Marcus Rashford the nod down the middle, alongside Lingard and Raheem Sterling. The three combined well throughout the match, with their pace and fluidity causing issues for the Dutch backline.

Southgate also sprung a surprise in defence. Kyle Walker began the game as right-centre back, with Keiran Trippier at right-wing back. The former Sheffield United man played at the heart of the defence during his stint at Bramall Lane. It proved to be another viable option for Southgate as he looks to mould his World Cup starting 11 for Russia. Jordan Pickford also impressed as he staked his claim for number one jersey. A clean sheet and composed performance will certainly have done the Everton stoppers chances no harm.

Italy suffered a 2-0 defeat to Argentina on Friday night. After failing to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, the Italy squad is starting a new dawn. With a new generation of Italian talent coming through, it will be the next permanent boss’ job to turn them into a success. Luigi Di Biagio has been given temporary charge of Azzurri having been promoted from the U21s.

England’s have won one of their last seven matches against Italy. That win came in a friendly back in 2012 with Jermain Defoe grabbing the winner. This will be the Italian’s third visit to the new Wembley as they seek their first win on English soil since 2002.

With both these two teams very much in transition, it could be an interesting matchup. The England camp, however, will be much more positive after their victory on Friday night. Therefore, I think they’ll nick the game but I expect it to be a tight contest.

England vs Italy will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1 with kick-off at 20:00 GMT.

Prediction: England 1-0 Italy.

Suggested tips – England vs Italy (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, England to win 1-0 – 9/2.
  • Vardy to score and win – 5/2.
  • Sterling and Immobile to both score – 8/1.
  • England to win by exactly one goal – 11/4.
  • BTTS and under 2.5 goals – 9/2.

Odds and markets last updated on 27 March 2018 @16:50 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

Hungary vs Scotland – Match Preview

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Hungary vs Scotland
Wednesday 27th March 2018
International Friendly, Groupama Arena

Live on Sky Sports Football. Kick-Off: 19:00 GMT

Hungary vs Scotland: New Scotland boss Alex McLeish will be looking for his first win as manager when he takes on Hungary at the Groupama Arena.

After taking over for his second stint as Scotland boss, McLeish suffered defeat to Costa Rica on Friday. The former Aston Villa boss has been tasked with turning Scotland’s fortunes around, having not qualified for yet another major tournament. Like a number of national sides, Scotland are one in transition. A number of experienced professionals have come to the end their careers, with new young talent emerging. It’s McLeish’s job to integrate them into his side as they hope to qualify for Euro 2020.

The defeat to Costa Rica saw a formation change as McLeish set his side up in a 3-4-3 system. With Andrew Robertson and Callum Paterson given license to attack as wing-backs, it offers Scotland a new dimension. It also offers more freedom for players such as Matt Richie and Tom Cairney to create chances for their strikers. Swansea striker Ollie McBurnie was given his debut after an impressive loan spell at Barnsley. This was just a signal of what is to come, with more young talent being afforded a chance to appear for their country. They also handed Scott McTominay his first start after he pleaded his allegiance to Scotland.

Despite impressing at the Euros in 2016, Hungary failed to qualify for the World Cup. George Leekens’ side missed out after finishing third in a group containing both Portugal and Switzerland. Whilst this won’t be a surprise to most, it was a disappointing qualifying campaign for the Hungarians and they will seek improvement ahead of Euro 2020. A more favourable group could have definitely seen them qualify for Russia and they will be a stern test for Scotland.

Both these teams come into this game in poor form. Hungary have won two of their last six matches, whilst Scotland have lost their last two. This will be the two sides’ first meeting since 2004, which ended in a 3-0 Hungary win. Scotland have never won beaten Hungary away from home, so this could be a potential milestone for the Scots.

Neither side is in fantastic form. Therefore, I think a draw could be on the cards. Thus, this would be a positive result for Scotland as they look to rebuild their new young squad.

Hungary vs Scotland will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Football with kick off at 19:00 GMT.

Prediction: Hungary 1-1 Scotland.

Suggested tips – Hungary vs Scotland – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score, draw 1-1- 9/2. 
  • McBurnie to score in 90 mins – 9/4.
  • Hungary to win and BTTS – 5/1.
  • Bode and Cummings to both score – 17/2.
  • Scotland to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 5/2.
  • Hungary to score first – 1/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 27 March 2018 @16:50 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.

Netherlands vs England – Match Betting Preview.

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Netherlands vs England
Friday 23rd March 2018
International Friendly, Johan Cruyff Arena

Live on ITV, Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Netherlands vs England – England take a trip to the Netherlands as they face Holland in a friendly ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Russia.

Gareth Southgate will shape his England squad for Russia in the three lions’ upcoming matches. Whilst there are a few players missing out through injury, a large portion of this squad still have to prove their worth. The goalkeeping department has, in particular, been an area under scrutiny. Consequently, Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope earned his first call-up for these games after an impressive season in the Clarets’ net. The number one spot is up for grabs after Joe Hart’s poor form at West Ham, with Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland the main two contenders. I personally believe Southgate will opt for the Stoke stopper to guard England’s goal.

Whilst many speculating on England’s formation for the upcoming tournament, I expect Southgate to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 formation. The England manager has already intimated he will use Eric Dier in the back three for these matches, a position he has played for Spurs previously. Alfie Mawson and James Tarkowski have both been given a chance to impress following their first call-ups. More experience defenders Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling left out. Upfront, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy have the chance to stake their claim for the World Cup with Harry Kane absent through injury.

Despite not qualifying for this summer’s competition, Holland have won their last five games. Having missed the last two major tournaments, new manager Ronald Koeman has been tasked with running the country’s fortunes around. They finished level on points with Sweden in group A but missed out on goal difference. With a number of up and coming young players in their ranks, the future looks bright for Dutch football. Virgil van Dijk should captain the side alongside Stefan De Vrij, whilst Quincy Promes, Bas Dost and youngster Justin Kluivert will be expected to cause England problems in attack.

Jesus Gil Manzano will referee the clash on Friday night. The Spaniard plies his trade in La Liga, where he has averaged 5.87 cards per game across 15 league matches. This consists of 86 yellow cards and one red, which therefore means booking points could be a good option for Friday’s game.

Without Harry Kane, England will be looking for Rashford to step up to the plate. Holland also pose a threat and will want to prove their worth under a new manager. Thus, I think this will end in a draw, with neither team wanting to lose the game.

Netherlands vs England will be televised live in the UK on ITV with kick off at 19:45 GMT.

Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 England.

Suggested tips(Skybet):

  • Correct score, draw 1-1 – 9/2.
  • Rashford to score first and England to win 2-1 – 40/1.
  • Promes and Vardy to both score – 17/2.
  • Depay and Sterling to have 1+shot on target each – 6/4.
  • Dost to score and win – 3/1.

Odds and markets last updated on 23 March 2018 @17:35 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break.