by ·Comments Off on Leicester City vs West Brom – Match Preview
Leicester City vs West Brom - Match Preview

Leicester City vs West Brom – Match Preview – 2016 Premier League Champions Leicester City are desperate for a win to get themselves out of the relegation zone against fellow Midlands side and also out-of-form, West Bromwich Albion.

Both sides are winless from the 19th August, nearly two months ago, and after eventual solid mid-table finishes last campaign, will be concerned about the current state of results.

A far cry from the title winning team, as current manager Craig Shakespeare steadied the sinking ship left by Claudio Ranieri (amidst conspicuous circumstances) and remarkably led the club to the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

This year Leicester have just one win and five points to their name and currently sit in 18th position in the table, just ahead of Bournemouth and Palace. A win would take The Foxes level on points with a host of clubs and push them right up into 13th on goal difference – so panic is not required at this stage. Generally speaking though, the departure of Danny Drinkwater and the mix-up regarding the signing of Adrien Silva has left Shakespeare’s side lightweight in central midfield.

Tony Pulis will be aggrieved but not overly surprised at his erratic team’s results, quite often a hot and cold team, after winning both of the season’s opening matches 2-0, only three more points have been picked up in the five games since.

Krychowiak has quality but is yet to perform to his best for the Baggies Photo Credit: skysports.com

The signing of Gregor Krychowiak – and the massive estimated wages of 110k that comes with – signal West Brom’s intent to be more than just ‘safe’ every season, so recent results will be concerning. However, once again worth reiterating is the campaign’s early stage and a win over Leicester would elevate The Baggies into the top half.

For teams like Leicester and West Brom picking up points in games against sides of similar standing could be crucial. Both sides want to kick on and progress, but ultimately staying afloat in the Premier League and experiencing the riches and exposure that comes with it is the be all and end all – and either team elongating their poor form could prove costly in such a competitive division.

Team News
Shakespeare doesn’t have too many injury concerns, with just Matty James and Robert Huth unlikely to feature.

Pulis may be more worried, as both James Morrison and Nacer Chadli are major doubts for the trip, while Hal Robson-Kanu may be lacking match fitness following his international exertions with Wales.

Player to Watch
As mentioned above, Polish international Gregor Krychowiak came to The Hawthorns with big wages but arrives with a reputation to match. Despite his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain, the defensive midfielder has proven himself as an exceptional player both in Spain and Europe with Sevilla on countless occasions and on the international stage with Poland too. Excellent in the transition, 47-times capped Krychowiak reads the game superbly and has great passing ability to both prevent opposition moves and instigate his own for the team. Alongside all the necessary physical attributes to thrive in the Premier League, if the ex-PSG man can find his feet then West Brom have truly landed a major coup.

 

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by ·Comments Off on Southampton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview
Southampton vs Newcastle United - Match Preview

Southampton vs Newcastle United – Match Preview – Southampton host Newcastle United at St Mary’s, with the Saints looking for only their second home win of an underwhelming season.

Since beating West Ham 3-2 in mid-August, the Saints haven’t won at home. Now, almost two months on, they’re looking to end that run. Since that win, they’ve lost home games to Watford and Manchester United, in games where they were unlucky to come out empty handed. Whilst Southampton have been away from home, they have only won one game in their last six league and cup matches, with Mauricio Pellegrino getting off to a slow start in his new job.

Charlie Austin could return against Newcastle Photo Credit: skysports.com

One thing Southampton have lacked in the last few years is goals. Last season the club managed only 17 goals at home all season, which was a major factor in Claude Puel’s dismissal. This season, that trend has continued. The Saints’ have only managed five goals this season, and have not scored in five of their seven fixtures so far this season. With Manolo Gabbiadini struggling to recreate his form from last season, many will look to the return of Charlie Austin as inspiration. The Englishman has been missing since December last year and has finally returned to full fitness.

Lascelles has been solid in the heart of the defence for Newcastle Photo Credit: skysports.com

For Newcastle, an encouraging 1-1 draw against Liverpool means Rafa Benitez’s men have lost only one of their last five games. In that run, they have only conceded three goals, collecting two clean sheets in that time. The form of Captain Jamaal Lascelles has been key, with the former Nottingham Forest defender picking up two goals, to add to his impressive defensive performances.

Southampton are unbeaten in their last six matches against Newcastle, a run stretching back to 2013. In keeping with that record, the Toon Army haven’t won at St Mary’s since 2004, where they claimed a 2-1 victory. On that day, Graeme Souness was the manager, and with the club having had 13 managers since then, it underlines how long it’s been.

With the two teams having scored only 11 goals between them this season, expect goals to be at a premium. With Newcastle in good form, I could see them collecting another positive result. I think a draw could be on the cards, whilst under 2.5 goals would be my chosen bet.

 

Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Newcastle United

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE 1-1 DRAW- 5/1

SKYBET: AUSTIN TO SCORE AND SOUTHAMPTON TO WIN- 9/4

SKYBET: PEREZ TO SCORE FIRST AND NEWCASTLE TO WIN 1-0- 60/1

SKYBET: DRAW AND U2.5 GOALS- 3/1

SKYBET: GROUP SCORE SOUTHAMPTON TO WIN 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1- 13/8

SKYBET: LONG AND JOSELU TO BOTH SCORE- 7/1

by ·Comments Off on Liverpool vs Manchester United – Match Preview
Liverpool vs Manchester United - Match Preview

Liverpool vs Manchester United – Match Preview – Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Saturday, with both teams looking for a win following the international break and it is bound to be an enthralling tie.

Liverpool’s are desperate for a win, with Jurgen Klopp’s side picking up just one win in their last seven games in all competitions. Before the international break, the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw away at Newcastle, with many fans growing frustrated by the sides defensive frailties. At the back, Liverpool are woeful, and if they want to gain anything from Saturday they will have to improve.

Liverpool will be reliant on Coutinho and Firminho for the victory on Saturday Photo Credit: skysports.com

Liverpool are however unbeaten at Anfield in the league this season. They’ve only dropped two points, and have won their other two matches. Having already played Arsenal at Anfield, the Reds know they can make Anfield a fortress, having ripped apart Arsene Wenger’s side in a 4-0 win. If they can get Mohamad Salah, Roberto Firmino and Phillipe Coutinho running at the United backline, they can cause them problems. They will, however, be without Sadio Mane, after the Senegalese forward was ruled out of for six weeks. Despite that blow, they still have plenty of attacking talent in reserve and will pose a threat to any defence.

Manchester United come into this game in excellent form, with six wins a row in all competitions. The Red Devils remain unbeaten in the league this season, with Saturday posing their biggest test yet. United will be without Marouane Fellaini after the Belgian picked up a knee injury. Whilst there has been no time frame put on Fellaini’s return, it is expected to be a lengthy absence. One Belgian who is available is Romelu Lukaku. Fresh from scoring for Belgium on Tuesday, the former Everton striker will be looking to add to his seven goals so far this campaign.

Lukaku and Rashford have been in great form so far this season Photo Credit: skysports.com

The rivalry in this game is huge. This game has thrown up 16 red cards and is second in the list of dirtiest fixtures. Only the Merseyside Derby has more with 21. With that in mind, you could get good odds on a dismissal this Saturday, with both teams desperate for three points.

In recent matches, there has been very little to separate the two teams, with the last three encounters being draws. Liverpool however only have one win against United in their last eight, and no league wins since 2014. The last time Liverpool beat United in the league at Anfield was back in 2013 when a Daniel Sturridge goal gave them all three points.

Looking towards the game, Jose Mourinho is the master of away performances. With that in mind, I can’t see his side losing, and I think United or draw would be a good bet. I could see them nicking a win in true Mourinho fashion, with Lukaku and co exposing Liverpool’s leaky backline.

 

Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

 

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE UNITED 2-1- 17/2

SKYBET: UNITED OR DRAW DOUBLE CHANCE- 2/5

SKYBET: A RED CARD TO BE SHOWN AND A PENALTY AWARDED- 15/2

SKYBET: LUKAKU AND SALAH TO BOTH SCORE- 11/2

SKYBET: RASHFORD TO SCORE FIRST AND 1-1 DRAW- 30/1

SKYBET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE IN BOTH HALVES- 14/1

SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 GOALS- 6/5

SKYBET: RAB- LUKAKU TO SCORE, UNITED TO WIN, BTTS AND LOVREN TO BE CARDED- 16/1

SKYBET: RAB- BTTS, CAN, JONES AND VALENCIA TO BE CARDED- 22/1

by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Ayr – 12th October 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Ayr - 12th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview has two selections from the Scottish course at Ayr,  one of the selections could be worth following for the future,.

 

15.35 Ayr – William Hill Bet Boost Handicap (0-85) (8f)

Prying Pandora (93)
Dark Devil (88)
Candelisa (84)

The two Richard Farley horses are looking the one’s to concentrate on here, Paul Hanagan has elected to ride Dark Devil who is 0-3 with the horse as present day goes. Jack Garrity took the reins last time out when finishing second at Chester in this category when behind stablemate and Chester specialist Gabrial the Great. His best run this year came in a 0-95 at Haydock when seven lengths off El Cap, but I would prefer to see him back at the tighter track of Chester, but the softer the better for him and cannot be discounted.

However, it’s the other runner that will be the selection this afternoon. Prying Pandora was seen running Titi Makfi to a neck at Newmarket in a 0-95, that was an impressive run considering the winner is rated 15lb higher, in fact she split Seduce Me who is rated 91. Andrew McNamara’s three pound claim could be priceless here and I am sure if running up to her last run she should be on the premises here. Last but not least Tony Coyle’s Candelisa.

The ex Jedd O’Keeffe in-mate will make his stable debut, he won with plenty in hand when partnered by Graham Lee at Redcar in a seller two weeks ago. He has competed in a 0-105 at Newbury this year, but he was totally outclassed when finishing second last. The fact he has taken a decline this year at the weights is a concern, however the once rated 94 four year old gets in here off a tentative 86 so should run well.

Dark Devil and Candelisa cannot be discounted gingerly, but the vote goes to Prying Pandora if she runs up to anywhere near her close second to Titi Makfi, she should be winning this well under young amateur McNamara.

PRYING PANDORA : 1pt each way @ SP (BOG)

17.10 Ayr – William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap (0-75) (9f)

Chinese Spirit (75)
She’s Pukka (71)
Spes Nostra (70)

Firstly the selection here will be the second rated, purely on what I saw last time out, however Chinese Spirit will not be an easy adversary, his win over 8f here at Ayr three runs back when competing in this category would give him a big claim. He probably won with something in hand that afternoon, and returns only 2lb higher. Spes Nostra has been disappointing and on eleven career visits he has won once but that came back in 2011, he is a sure bet to not finish in the top six in the race as his string of lasts he will probably be sent off at 50/1.

Now on to the selection, I totally understand going against the grain is not the way, however the way she won on debut over this trip on heavy ground looked as she was a decent type. Trained by Iain Jardine, this daughter of soft ground specialist Makfi went away from her two rivals at Carlisle when ridden by today’s Graham Lee. There is no better jockey for me on the circuit around these conditions than Graham Lee, strong in a drive she should be winning this off what looks a very soft mark of 71 in which she should be exploiting.

SHE’S PUKKA : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on WC Qualifiers – Portugal vs Switzerland – Match Preview
WC Qualifiers - Portugal vs Switzerland - Match Preview

Portugal vs Switzerland – Match Preview – Group B reaches its nail-biting climax as leaders Switzerland travel to European Champions Portugal in a winner takes all clash in the race for Russia 2018.

This game is the definition of all to play for, La Nati have won every single one of their matches so far – including a 2-0 victory over Portugal in the reverse fixture – and lead the Selecao by three points entering the final matchday, albeit with a worse goal difference.

The permutations are as follows; a draw will see Vladimir Petkovic’s side qualify automatically as Group winners and Portugal into the play-offs.

However, a win for Portugal will see Cristiano Ronaldo and co into the 2018 World Cup and Switzerland fall into the play-offs instead, bizarrely despite winning nine of their ten games.

The only time Portugal have faltered in this qualification campaign has been the opening game against Switzerland, not many expected the Swiss to maintain their perfect form throughout but they have given themselves every opportunity to see the job through here.

It would be somewhat disconcerting for the reigning European Champions to fail to automatically qualify from their group, but Fernando Santos’s team have been convincing too. They outclassed both Faroe Islands and Andorra 6-0 and beating the other strongest opponents Hungary 3-0 and 1-0 with relative ease – and Portugal will strongly fancy their chances of breaking Switzerland hearts at the intimidating Estadio da Luz.

Team News
The main man Cristiano Ronaldo started the previous game against Andorra on the bench, despite coming on to make a huge impact and score when needed, to preserve his energy specifically for this crucial fixture – so is almost guaranteed to return to the starting line-up.
Santos will be without left-sided players Fabio Coentrao and Dortmund’s Raphael Guerriro.

Switzerland are facing this crunch tie without midfielders Edimilson Ferandes and the key Gelson Fernandes due to injury.

Shaqiri has the ability to win the game single handedly Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch
Whilst most will be expecting Portugal to take the initiative and attack Switzerland in search of the win they so desperately need, they will have to be wary of the threat facing their defence, and in particular from Xherdan Shaqiri. Plying his trade for Stoke City, British football fans know how dangerous the winger can be, possessing the ability to create a moment of magic from nothingness – precisely the type of unpredictable quality that could be the difference on a night like this. The ex-Bayern Munich and Inter Milan man has a wand of a left-foot, sparking a threat from anywhere within 30 yards or from free-kicks there may be a specific plan in place to nullify his threat. Hopefully a Shaqiri on the top of his game turns out in, for a 25-year-old extremely impressively, his 65th cap – hoping to add to his already stellar tally of 20 international goals.

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by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – Wales vs Ireland – Match Preview
World Cup Qualifiers - Wales vs Ireland - Match Preview

Wales vs Ireland – Match Preview – It simply doesn’t get any bigger than this. Shoulder to shoulder they stand in Group D, just one point separating the two home nations of Wales and Ireland.

There are many possible outcomes for both nations once the final whistle is blown, depending on other results. Serbia’s recent loss to Austria means that 1st in the group is still up for grabs if Serbia fail to win yet again this Monday.

The streets of Cardiff will have a party atmosphere Monday evening with the most probable outcome meaning the winner will advance whilst the losers World Cup dream will be over.

The hosts most recent outing saw them grind out a 1-0 victory away to Georgia with a professional performance given the absence of their global superstar, Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid forward will also be missing the crunch match this Monday, a huge blow for the Welsh. Players such as Aaron Ramsey, Sam Vokes and Hal Robson-Kanu will have to leave everything out on the field to ensure that the £80 million man’s absence isn’t a great factor.

A great Lawrence strike gave Wales a much needed victory over Georgia Photo Credit: skysports.com

Chris Coleman will have a few big decisions to make regarding both personnel and tactics. Wales are most comfortable lining up in a 5-3-2 formation which has made them the hardest defence to break down in the group and allows the attacking creativity of Bale to lead the attack. However, out in Tsibilli it was switched up to four at the back with Tom Lawrence becoming the biggest threat for the Dragons. With many unsure on how the Welsh will line up, can they withstand the pressure from the Irish who need no less than a victory?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Wales to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 15/8

Ireland will be annoyed to find themselves in the position they are in, needing nothing more than three points in Cardiff to stand a chance of advancing. Together they have stood tall and made their fans proud thus far in their qualification bid and will feel confident they can finish the job after their comfortable victory at home against Moldova. An early goal from Daryl Murphy allowed the nerves to settle, however nerves will be at an all-time high this Monday night.

Murphy’s brace in the win over Moldova sets up a huge encounter between Wales and Ireland Photo Credit: skysports.com

Martin O’Neill will have to implement an attacking style of play to his side given the circumstances. Shane Long could be a nuisance to the Welsh defence with his pace in behind being a huge factor to his game.  The Irish should dominate the possession statistics, as many do when playing Wales however they are facing a team that haven’t lost since that famous semi-final at the 2016 UEFA Euros against Portugal. A tough ask, but the fighting Irish will feel confident in their abilities.

Skybet Match Result – Ireland to Win – 13/5

 

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by ·Comments Off on Horse Racing Preview – Pontefract – 9th October 2017
Horse Racing Preview - Pontefract - 9th October 2017

Today’s horse racing preview has three selections over three meetings, from Pontefract, Musselburgh & Salisbury. Sunday was a disappointing day, not because the results placed, but the fact the highest ratings had run well and I did not play the obvious, fault in my part.

 

14.55 Pontefract – Leslie Burton (Fisher) Handicap (0-95) (8f)

The Grape Escape (97)
Me Too Nagasaki (89)
Shamrokh (85)

Richard Hannon’s three year old was last seen winning at Sandown when taking a 0-95 handicap when fending off Sharja Bridge of Roger Varian’s who was coming into the race after winning a good looking maiden at Nottingham. His only run on soft ground came as a juvenile when finishing mid field in the Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes. To be fair his Esher Cup run this year would be enough to land this race with ease, he has I think a few pounds on his rivals here despite having to give weight all round.

Luca Cumani’s Me Too Nagasaki ran well over 10f recently when finishing third in a 0-85 hcp at Goodwood, a head back in fourth that day was George Scott’s Road To Dubai who won a 0-80 race at Redcar over the weekend, but for me his Doncaster run would have to come into consideration here when winning a 0-95 on heavy ground when beating 89 rated Wahash by a head, the fact he is rated just 86, there could still be a reasonable run in him this afternoon.

Last but certainly not least, Shamrokh, who to be fair has a lot of weight to play with here, and is definitely rated for me higher than his current 74 suggests. Fair enough he finished last of nine at Ascot in what now looks a competitive 0-90 handicap with the likes of the winner Addeyebb now posting a rating of around 99 after landing the Silver Cambridgeshire. Shamkokh was eight lengths off the winner that day when running off 83. However, a return to the all weather I think if not showing anything here could land him his second career success as he has won over the mile but as I said on the all weather, but off 74 and I have him rated 11lb higher there is a surely a big run there on the cards.

THE GRAPE ESCAPE : 2pt Win @ 2/1 (BOG)

15.05 Salisbury – Bathwick Tyres Handicap (0-60) (6.9f)

Vixen (72)
Mulsanne Chase (69)
Intimately (65)

There looks some very well handicapped horses in this race on what they have achieved over this distance on previous runs especially the top rated here Vixen who represents Eve Johnson-Houghton this afternoon. The daughter of Kodiac was last seen when beaten a nose when under Josephine Gordon over course and distance, that was over 6f, she has run over 7f as a juvenile when finishing fifth in a maiden at Newbury when eight lengths off a now 75 rated horse. She steps back up in trip and the ground looks to have suited her in the past, off 57 she should be exploiting the current mark.

Mulsanne Chase posted a 68 when finishing last in a 0-75 handicap at Newbury back in July when having an official rating of 72, this is a big drop in class and off 59 she has been given a big reprieve by the handicapper, but her odds reflect otherwise being 40/1 here. Intimately is one that definitely does not deserve to be a double figure price, the John Portman four year old was last seen over this trip when finishing fourth when off a mark of 58 at Yamouth, posting an actual run off around 65, her mark of 59 here she can be involved under claimer George Wood.

This is a strong opportunity for Vixen to go one better now stepping back up in trip, I would not be surprised at all to see Intimately run well off her current mark of 59, Mulsanne Chase would have to step up a lot, but on this ground anything is possible.

VIXEN : 2pt Win @ 5/1 (BOG)

15.40 Musselburgh – Wise Betting At Racinguk.com Handicap (0-65) (5f)

Pavers Pride (67)
Luv u Always (64)
Reckless Serenade (64)

This is a very trappy affair, Pavers Pride gets the top rating purely off the back of his fourth last time out at Redcar in a 0-70 handicap, he won a maiden around Thirsk back in August and the fact the winner has posted a win since off 66 he has to be considered and looks way over priced at 10/1 for Noel Wilson.

The best handicapped horse in the race is Luv u Always who posted a run of 64 last time when off an official mark of 64, gets into this off just 46 which is a stone and a half out of what he has achieved this year. Reckless Serenade ran well when winning a 0-75 handicap at Hamilton around this time last year, however has not really shown that form since, but he drops back to the dead 5f from what he has been competing over recently of 6f.

An each way bet here on Pavers Pride who has been running well and really not being beaten that far on past two runs, Luv u Always is definitely the main danger running off this mark of 46, and Reckless Serenade could outrun his double figure price.

PAVERS PRIDE : 1pt each way @ 10/1 (BOG)

 

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by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – Bulgaria vs France – Match Preview
World Cup Qualifiers - Bulgaria vs France - Match Preview

Bulgaria vs France – Match Preview – Bulgaria host France in Group A of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

There’s still a lot to play for in the Group with no team securing a spot at the summer tournament just yet. The visitors are currently leading the Group, closely followed by Sweden who are one point behind the French.  Bulgaria still have it all to play for despite being fourth in the standings, a surprise win over France could leave it all to the last day to decide who reaches the greatest tournament in football.

Bulgaria have been in very mixed form the past year or so, struggling to get a run of good results but have proved to scalp a few improbable results. Their recent 3-2 victory over Sweden was a huge boost to their qualifying bid, however they were not able to gain momentum as they then lost away to Netherlands, 3-1.

Often lining up in a 4-4-2 formation, the Bulgarians have illustrated they are a tough team to break down. Despite their rigidness at the back, their attack has struggled to flourish at times of need hence why they are on the backfoot in the race for qualification. Striker Ivelin Popov is the biggest threat for the Bulgarians as he often plays striker, although is a midfielder for Spartak Moscow. His slender frame means he is an aerial threat, however will rely on good service. Will Bulgaria cause a dramatic final day in Group A?

Skybet Match Result – Bulgaria to Win – 12/1

Lemar and Mbappe are two rising stars for France Photo Credit: skysports.com

The French have a very, very good squad of players. Their attack is no lower than World Class and their defence is a force to be reckoned with; having only conceded 5 goals in 8 qualifying matches. Currently top of the group, France will be hoping victory can all but secure their place in next summer’s World Cup following their frustrating 0-0 draw with Luxembourg.

The firepower of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Lemar, Kingsley Coman and Alexandre Lacazette, just to name a few, should have no issue creating chances this weekend. They have already proved they are very capable of scoring goals with 18 scored in their qualifying campaign thus far, can they up the tally more but most importantly, gain three points?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – France to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 3/1

 

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by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – Georgia vs Wales – Match Preview
World Cup Qualifiers - Georgia vs Wales - Match Preview

Georgia vs Wales – Match Preview – With just two games left of the qualifying campaign, Wales desperately need to secure victory at Georgia to maintain any hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Despite not losing a single qualification match so far, with 14 points from 8 games, realistically Chris Coleman’s side need to win both of their remaining fixtures to stand any chance of qualifying.

Serbia, with 18 points, have all but secured 1st place and qualification in Group D, leaving Wales and Republic of Ireland to battle it out for 2nd place and a potential play-off spot.
Even that play-off spot is uncertain at present, however, as one of the nine groups’ 2nd place teams will miss out as eight progresses – Wales are currently bottom of the nine-team table which is comprised of points achieved against sides that aren’t last in each team’s respective group.

It sounds complicated but the matter of fact is simple, Wales need to win in Georgia.

The task will be made even more difficult following the revelation of star man Gareth Bale being ruled out through injury, and for the crucial, potential winner-takes-all final match against Ireland too.

Vladimir Weiss’ side are notoriously hard to break down and will provide stern opposition, but have no victories to their name in this qualification campaign – despite earning draws against each of the top three sides in the group, including a 1-1 draw in Cardiff in the reverse fixture in a stellar performance which could well have obtained the win.
Expect a tough battle with both sides prioritising defence, however Wales will hope they have enough quality in the side despite Bale’s absence to get over the line and remain in the hunt for a first World Cup appearance in 60 years.

Team News

The headline is inevitably Real Madrid forward and Welsh talisman Gareth Bale’s exclusion, but now he has also been joined on the sidelines by Norwich City’s Marley Watkins – they have been replaced by Barnsley forwards Tom Bradshaw and Ryan Hedges as Wales look for supplementation in attack.

Aaron Ramsey will be key in Wales’ qualification hopes Photo Credit: skysports.com

Player to Watch

Ever since Aaron Ramsey’s inclusion for Wales at the tender age of 17 in 2008, he has had a large portion of the nation’s hopes on his shoulders – but the 26-year-old consistently delivers. The playmaker will hope he can continue his recent surge of form at club level with Arsenal onto the international stage for these final two crucial qualification games. At his best there is no facet of the game beyond Ramsey, but above all else he instils belief in the rest of the team and is a driving force behind the passion and intensity in the Welsh game. Such qualities are pivotal in emerging from international matches such as these with the win.

 

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by ·Comments Off on World Cup Qualifiers – England vs Slovenia – Match Preview
World Cup Qualifiers - England vs Slovenia - Match Preview

England vs Slovenia – Match Preview – England return to action on Thursday, knowing just a win would secure their automatic qualification for the 2018 World Cup.

Gareth Southgate’s side sit five points ahead of second placed Slovakia. A draw against Slovenia would all but ensure top spot in Group F, but a win would mathematically seal their fate. England will be without Deli Alli for the match, with the Spurs’ man missing through suspension. The Three Lions do however have Harry Kane fit and available, with the Tottenham striker having scored 11 goals in his last six games. Kane also scored two in England’s last game against Malta, showing he can replicate his club form for his country as well.

Whilst England are yet to lose in this group, they did draw with Slovenia back in October last year. That point means Slovenia are one of only two teams to take points away from them in the group. England will be hoping this won’t happen again, as they look to cross the line in qualification. A positive for England is they have kept six clean sheets in eight games, but they have conceded three in their last three. With them holding the best offensive and defensive record in the group, that should be enough to see them grab three points.

Can Harry Kane fire England into the World Cup? Photo Credit: skysports.com

Slovenia, like England, have a very good defensive record. With them only conceding four goals in their eight matches so far, they have the next best record after England. Their Achilles heel however, is offensively. They have only scored ten goals so far, with only Malta and Lithuania scoring less in the group. If they are to get a result a Wembley, they will need to buck that trend, and been more offensive.

With Slovenia knowing a result for them would put them in the driving seat for second spot, they have even more motivation to try and get a result. With them sitting just a point behind Slovakia and level with Scotland, they could end the night in second place as the other two teams face each other. That would leave them with a final showdown with the Scots on match day ten, but they would be in control of their own destiny.

Unfortunately for them, I don’t see that happening. With qualification just in sight for England, I think they’ll get the job done at Wembley, with a comprehensive win.

 

Prediction: England 2-0 Slovenia

SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE ENGLAND TO WIN 2-0- 9/2
SKYBET: KANE TO SCORE A BRACE- 5/2
SKYBET: RASHFORD TO SCORE FIRST AND ENGLAND TO WIN 4-0- 35/1
SKYBET: ENGLAND -2 HANDICAP- 5/2
SKYBET: KANE TO SCORE A HATTRICK AND ENGLAND TO WIN 3-0- 80/1
SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 2.5 MATCH GOALS- 7/4
SKYBET: KANE AND DEFOE TO BOTH SCORE- 5/2