Lithuania v England: Three Lions to close out campaign with win and clean sheet

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lithuania v England</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday October 8, 17:00 </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live on ITV</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Malta result exposes a poor Lithuania side</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a measure of Lithuania's quality that they were unable to beat Malta on Thursday night, going behind to the world's 191st ranked team and only able to force a point thanks to a second-half equaliser. Admittedly, it was a dead rubber, but most games in Group F have been just that for slumping Lithuania, who were off the pace from the get-go and whose nine qualifying games have yielded just the one win and three draws.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">England unbeaten but unimpressive</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the good news is that England made sure of qualification on Thursday night at Wembley by recording their seventh win from nine games in Group F. A closer look at the game, however, reveals another performance desperately lacking in quality. As ever, England were defensively strong - though not without their wobbly moments - but the attack, while not lacking in energy, seemed to lack a coherent plan and scored its lone goal deep into second-half injury time.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harry Kane was once again one the scoresheet but it wasn't a golden night for the Spurs man who was full of running and effort but found chances somewhat limited. Marcus Rashford was the bright spark in an England attack where Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were poor.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can rely on England's defence</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">England are hot favourites to win in the early prices on the Betfair Sportsbook, but the 1.36 available on Gareth Southgate's men is one for the ACCAs or heavy hitters only. Lithuania are [9.5] to win and the draw is 5.00. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While it's hard to look beyond the England victory there may be a little more doubt about this game than earlier qualifiers in the group.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up, this is a dead rubber and intensity may be lacking. That's as true of Lithuania as England but it's a concern nonetheless. Secondly, after a poor performance at Wembley, Gareth Southgate may be tempted to experiment with formations and lineups and there may be a corresponding lack of understanding between the XI. Then again, they can't do much worse than Thursday night's mob.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, this game pits the group's best defence (England have conceded just three goals across qualification) against its second worst (Lithuania have scored seven goals) and odds-against on an England win to nil isn't a terrible bet. The Three Lions have won six of their Group F games without conceding, and all three games against Sunday's opponents by a cumulative 9-0 scoreline. Finally, I don't think Southgate will want to risk throwing away England's unbeaten record in quailfying so will take a safety-first approach to this one.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you bet on goals don't bet on seeing too many</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not the most prolific England side ever and I wouldn't be in a rush to back overs at odds-on. It took the Three Lions 53 minutes to break through Malta on their last Group F away day and earlier visits to Slovakia and Slovenia during qualification yielded the grand total of one goal.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back England to win to nil v Lithuania @ 2.18</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip45K-dKX7v2uHktL69lwgYi0byfsiKKq1vxLKB6rQZkfc6Uj4HAi2vLVbA8guI_Dp8SRn1frR5MI8Vk8hz_JrY4ca_xQeI3ZxKXo05YRRbiwPrALnEiDgGeFKCcMxztpJzb1QBzVg2aw/s1600/skysports-england-manager-gareth-southgate_4120653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip45K-dKX7v2uHktL69lwgYi0byfsiKKq1vxLKB6rQZkfc6Uj4HAi2vLVbA8guI_Dp8SRn1frR5MI8Vk8hz_JrY4ca_xQeI3ZxKXo05YRRbiwPrALnEiDgGeFKCcMxztpJzb1QBzVg2aw/s640/skysports-england-manager-gareth-southgate_4120653.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Lithuania v England: Three Lions to close out campaign with win and clean sheet

Lithuania v England Sunday October 8, 17:00  Live on ITV Malta result exposes a poor Lithuania side It's a measure of Lithuania...

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Slovenia v Scotland: Tartan Army believe the wait is almost over

<div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slovenia v Scotland</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, 17:00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live On Sky Sports</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Katanec's side offer little in attack</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are Scotland playing Slovenia at exactly the right time? Recent results would suggest so, the home side losing two of their last three, and three of their last five. That patchy form was made worse by defeat at Wembley on Thursday, fans north of the border thanking The Three Lions for lending a helping hand, although it was done through gritted teeth, of course. Harry Kane pounced late, the captain scoring a winner on 94 minutes. Not a performance that will raise expectations ahead of Russia 2018, but a result that ensured they travel as group winners.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slovenia's other two defeats in that run of five have come at the hands of Slovakia and Scotland, all three ending in a 1-0 reverse. Manager Srecko Katanec ensures his side are difficult to break down, but that approach leads to a lack of bite at the other end of the park. They managed just one shot on target in Thursday's defeat in London, finishing with 33% of the overall possession. In their last match vs Scotland, they had just one shot at goal, showing a 39% share of possession.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They must be more adventurous in front of their own fans, but if taking results vs Lithuania and Malta out of the equation, it's difficult to make a strong case for the home win, or for them causing too much panic in the Scotland defence. Flicking through results and stats, the locals are proven to be a tough nut to crack, but one Strachan will be confident can be broken.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scotland have never lost to Slovenia</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scotland kept their hopes of going to next summer's World Cup in Russia alive with a thrill-a-minute win over Slovakia at Hampden on Thursday. Drama was expected, and drama was delivered, Martin Skrtel turning an Ikechi Anya cross into his own net on 89 minutes. Gordon Strachan's side enjoyed a generous slice of fortune, but it was nothing short of what they deserved, hitting the bar twice and finding goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the form of his life.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a night that saw the visitors' main dangerman Robert Mak sent off for a second bookable offence on 23 minutes, it was more than the Tartan Army could handle, but they now must do it all again in Slovenia on Sunday if they are to finish as Group F runners up behind England. The table makes for interesting reading - England home and hosed on 23 points, able to make travel arrangements, Scotland in second on 17 points, Slovakia 15 and Slovenia 14.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, Scotland's fate rests in their own hands, but with Slovakia almost guaranteed three points with a home match against Group F whipping boys Malta on Sunday, this is another must-win. Strachan's boys won 1-0 in the reverse of this fixture, Chris Martin scoring an 88th minute winner back in March to nick the points. Followers of the trends will also be interested to learn that Scotland have never lost to Slovenia in four previous meetings, the head-to-head stats made up of two wins and two draws. Taking no in the both to score market would've gifted a winner in three of the four. The same again here is 8/11 (sportsbook).</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Form side go in as underdogs</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slovenia have struggled against the group's better sides, but they are favourites in the betting to buck that trend and deny Scotland at the SRC Stozice. That'll come as a surprise to many, but Betfair traders are convinced on the winners of this match, offering home cheer at 6/4 on the sportsbook. There's currently more joy to be had when playing the exchange, 2.74 available. Slovenia have been losing matches, but not by much, and with half of the four recorded meetings between these sides ending all-square, a repeat can't be ignored at 3.45.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Scotland side refuses to accept failure. Strachan has a group of battle-hardened warriors, who have felt the heartache of missing out on major tournaments all too often in the past, mixed with the ambition of youth. In the likes of Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson they have a future full of promise. By the time next summer comes around, there's no doubt both men will be better players, and there's a list of hungry recruits waiting in the wings too. It's a good time to be a Scotland supporter again, and it'll be even better if they win at 2.76.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clues point to a low-scoring match</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It'll pay to keep this one simple and follow the clues that appear to be glaringly obvious. Let's look at the recent results of both sides. In their five competitive games in 2017, Slovenia have lost three and won two, those victories coming over Lithuania and Malta. As mentioned, the losses have all carried a 1-0 final score. That would suggest we're in for another low-scoring 90 minutes.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, let's put those results beside the 2017 form of Scotland. Four wins and one draw. Two of those wins were vs Lithuania and Malta, the other two, Slovenia and Slovakia, gave us a 1-0 score, both thanks to late goals. The exchange has this match giving over 2.5 goals at 2.38, which is a nice price, but under 2.5 at 1.68 makes much more sense.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scotland win @ 2.76</span></div> </div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO66mPURpDgwKhOgU1pkbb6WXo7TEJ7eyaU0fMuwzLiU_ndGbJhq-Z9bdqclMCwqBy2wvCXSTE0n3-uNW1eIIyR084D4P9bg4eLNzFZR8W0B84Y19H-me5Uf4q_cUF_CkCciY-H_HdkQU/s1600/JS115393451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="615" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO66mPURpDgwKhOgU1pkbb6WXo7TEJ7eyaU0fMuwzLiU_ndGbJhq-Z9bdqclMCwqBy2wvCXSTE0n3-uNW1eIIyR084D4P9bg4eLNzFZR8W0B84Y19H-me5Uf4q_cUF_CkCciY-H_HdkQU/s640/JS115393451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

Slovenia v Scotland: Tartan Army believe the wait is almost over

Slovenia v Scotland Sunday, 17:00 Live On Sky Sports Katanec's side offer little in attack Are Scotland playing Slovenia at e...

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Saturday Sports Multiple: A Belgian win the headline in a 7/1 weekend wager

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bet 1: Back Belgium to beat Bosnia at 2.50</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">International football takes centre stage this weekend with another round of World Cup Qualifiers and, as ever, the Betting.Betfair International section offers a wealth of tips, preview and analysis to help with your football selections.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manchester United duo Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini have both suffered injury scares but Fellaini is likely to be fit and will feature, and although it is tempting to assume that Belgium, who have already qualified for the World Cup, might be beatable here, that could be a mistake.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bosnia certainly have plenty to play for and are desperate for points to stay in the race for second place, but a 3-2 defeat against Cyprus last month showed how fragile the home side can be and without star midfielder Miralem Pjanic they could struggle to create many chances here. Back the visitors to outclass their opponents.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bet 2: Back India to beat Australia at 1.67</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having gone down 4-1 in the fifty over format, Australia will now try their luck in a three-match Twenty20 series, but the outcome is likely to be similar.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Aussies have a surprisingly poor Twenty20 record, having lost 43 of their 92 Twenty20 Internationals to date and their record against India is particularly poor. They've won only four out of nine against these opponents, as well as all three encounters on Indian soil: in 2007, 2013 and 2016.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike their Indian counterparts, Australia's star players have struggled to transfer their IPL Twenty20 form to the international arena, and I can't see the tourists having any joy here against an Indian team that has won 17 of their last 23 Twenty20s.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bet 3: Back Northampton to beat Gloucester at 1.91</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gloucester stumbled badly against Sale last time, nearly setting a club record for the most points conceded in the Premiership. They eventually lost 57-10, which was one shy of their record: a 58-21 defeat that came against Saturday's opponents in 2002.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are unlikely to play that badly again, but will need an enormous improvement if they are to overcome a resurgent Northampton side that has risen to the top of the table after a run of five games without defeat. Saints are unbeaten in nine against the Cherry and Whites and they can should leave Kingsholm this weekend with a win.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-Ub0QLBIy7APD61MDFQWf-CjRcUt5oSP6boIV6x2vLyi9rAB2gLkj_sTOPMbicBNOZ_ggz0-MBJL8b5MVXCKbpJmk4KjVeJTZ_i4p6dy26L11Av-SUyXswps8DXmNRcXSCzl4T64stQ/s1600/20170903T191422Z_904487559_RC15E6527690_RTRMADP_3_SOCCERWORLDCUPGRCBEL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-Ub0QLBIy7APD61MDFQWf-CjRcUt5oSP6boIV6x2vLyi9rAB2gLkj_sTOPMbicBNOZ_ggz0-MBJL8b5MVXCKbpJmk4KjVeJTZ_i4p6dy26L11Av-SUyXswps8DXmNRcXSCzl4T64stQ/s640/20170903T191422Z_904487559_RC15E6527690_RTRMADP_3_SOCCERWORLDCUPGRCBEL.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Saturday Sports Multiple: A Belgian win the headline in a 7/1 weekend wager

Bet 1: Back Belgium to beat Bosnia at 2.50 International football takes centre stage this weekend with another round of World Cup Qualifie...

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World 2018 Qualifying: Who can still qualify and who might miss out?

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strachan's men have hope</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scotland are 5.00 to qualify for next summer's World Cup in Russia after their dramatic 1-0 win over Slovakia on Thursday. Martin Skrtel's late own goal gave Gordon Strachan's men victory at Hampden Park in a match that will have shredded the nerves of Scotland fans, as they watched their team flirt with defeat before finally securing a crucial win against ten men. Scotland now go to Slovenia on Sunday knowing that victory will secure them second place in Group F and the chance of reaching a qualifying play-off.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strachan's men beat Slovenia 1-0 when the teams met at Hampden in March and they go into the return fixture with the momentum behind them. The hosts will have nothing to play for, although they proved in their 1-0 defeat to England on Thursday that they can be stubborn opponents to break down. Scotland are 2.80 to win the match and give themselves the chance of reaching their first World Cup since Craig Brown took them to France in 1998.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Home nations already planning for play-offs</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the moment, only four sides will definitely be at the World Cup next summer. Along with hosts Russia, Belgium, England and Germany will all be there. But from the European qualifying zone there are still ten places to be decided. Six of those will be automatic qualifiers while eight teams - the eight best runners-up - will go into the play-offs from which four teams will reach the Finals. Complicated? Yes, so the best thing the teams can do is concentrate on winning their matches letting the maths take care of themselves.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Northern Ireland are second to Germany in Group C but they have such a healthy amount of points that a draw 3.15 away to Norway on Sunday will see them through to the play-offs.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Group D, securing a play-off place will be trickier for Wales who must play their final two qualifying matches, away to Georgia on Friday and at home to Republic of Ireland on Monday, without talisman Gareth Bale. Serbia are likely to win the Group with the battle for second-place coming down to a battle between Wales and the Republic. It could be a ferocious contest when Chris Coleman's team host Martin O'Neill's men in Cardiff on Monday.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elsewhere in Europe</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">France could be the big casualty if they don't win both their remaining fixtures. Les Bleus have a ridiculously talented squad but, although they're 1.15 to win their group, they recently drew 0-0 at home to Luxembourg, so are capable of slipping up. Sweden should finish second and reach the play-offs but the Netherlands look set to finish third and miss out.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Italy could also have to qualify via a play-off while Euro 2016 champions Portugal are locked in a battle with Switzerland to emerge from Group B.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we know who's through, the play-offs will take place over two legs. The first are played from 9 to 11 November while the second legs take place 12-14 of the same month.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Messi and co. on verge of missing out</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Argentina could be set to fail to qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1970. Lionel Messi and his team-mates were runners-up in Brazil four years ago but their 0-0 draw with Peru on Thursday leaves them in sixth place in the South American qualifying section.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A World Cup without Argentina? It's unthinkable, but fans of the White and Sky Blue needn't despair just yet. Only the top four qualify from the group but, if Argentina beat Ecuador in their final match on Wednesday, they would claim the fifth-place spot which would put them into a play-off against New Zealand.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Syria on verge of astonishing achievement</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As international giants and plucky pretenders battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive in the European qualifying section, let's take a moment to salute the achievements of Syria - the team from the war-torn country in the Middle East who are already through to a play-off.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Syrians have been through everything in the past half-decade and their country has become a byword for tragedy and destruction. It will be amazing if their football team can give them something to celebrate and run out in Russia next summer.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhebtnBMxbfAI1J5lQMybLbwUaeNuNuMrYVOdrSBgSbPxS_JSQ7dw1FhYuhQfQK3xDbpdQlorBXVtE1eRquJM2ODtIOKtusE5sTSLIsAfXqtDej3IKR7szqvhCQJW7-Y4lnzxQCZy0B0/s1600/2018-World-Cup-Qualifications-Europe-Scotland-vs-Malta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhebtnBMxbfAI1J5lQMybLbwUaeNuNuMrYVOdrSBgSbPxS_JSQ7dw1FhYuhQfQK3xDbpdQlorBXVtE1eRquJM2ODtIOKtusE5sTSLIsAfXqtDej3IKR7szqvhCQJW7-Y4lnzxQCZy0B0/s640/2018-World-Cup-Qualifications-Europe-Scotland-vs-Malta.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

World 2018 Qualifying: Who can still qualify and who might miss out?

Strachan's men have hope Scotland are 5.00 to qualify for next summer's World Cup in Russia after their dramatic 1-0 win over Slov...

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World Cup 2018: Kane is ray of light for Southgate's dour England

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">England are 22.00 to win the World Cup next summer but, following last night's scrappy performance, it'd be a brave bettor who backs the Three Lions to end 52 years of hurt in Russia.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gareth Southgate's men confirmed their place at the Finals with a 1-0 win over Slovenia, thanks to Harry Kane's 94th minute goal. With Southgate uncertain of his best 11, no permanent captain in place and plenty of tinkering with the formation still expected, only one thing is certain: England fans with have low expectations of their team next summer.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Against Slovenia, England gave the type of performance that has frustrated supporters for many years now and lead some pundits to wonder if the team have a problem with playing at Wembley. They were insipid, unimaginative and lacked conviction in the final third of the field.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kane is Southgate's ray of light</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the bright side, the winning goal was scored by Kane, in his first match as captain, who can plausibly claim to be the in-form striker in Europe right now. If Southgate can find a way to make Kane play with the devastating abandon with which he's performed for Tottenham over the past two seasons, then England will have a chance of getting beyond the group states at least. But how many England players have we said that about in the past decade? Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard are two who spring to mind, but there are more.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southgate to keep faith with Hart in goal?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Against Slovenia, Joe Hart had one of his better recent nights and made decent saves to stop his team from going behind. But Hart is still haunted by his poor performances at Euro 2016 in France and the blunders he made in this qualifying campaigning when conceding from free-kicks against Scotland. Conceding goals in a struggling West Ham team can't be helping his confidence - unless he makes the most of a tough task, a la Jordan Pickford for Sunderland last season- and the return of Jack Butland means Hart has serious competition for the number one spot. So far, Southgate has been loyal to Hart but, at the moment, the keeper's future between the sticks for England is as uncertain as Theresa May's in Downing Street.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The case for a settled defence</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the centre of defence, Gary Cahill and John Stones were solid against Slovenia and both carried over their impressive club form on to the international stage.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stones has been particularly good for Manchester City so far this season and, amid the goals and emphatic wins, it's easy to overlook the fact that their improved defence has been one reason why they're 1.69 favourites to win the Premier League. Stones is a major reason for that and his growing confidence is good news for England in the short and long term. Phil Jones' performances for Manchester United bode well and Michael Keane should start to find his feet soon for Everton.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At full-back, Kyle Walker struggled at times against Slovenia but England have strong options at left-back in Ryan Bertrand and Danny Rose.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forging the link between Alli and Kane is essential</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To get the best out of Kane, England need to get the best out of Dele Alli. The Spurs' attacking midfielder was underwhelming in France in 2016 but then had another excellent season for his club, in behind Kane. Southgate needs to get the players to replicate their potent combination on the international stage. At the same time, he'll need to decide whether to play Marcus Rashford out wide or just have the young Manchester United striker on the bench as back up for Kane.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the base of midfield, Eric Dier's class and composure could be crucial - he showed in France that he's not daunted by the big stage, although his form dropped off a bit last season, in part due to his club manager's decision to play him at centre-back when Spurs played a three. Returning to central midfield this season has helped.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, Dier and Jordan Henderson were equally uninspiring against Slovenia which added to the sense that England's current midfield lacks imagination and bite. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's unconvincing display against Slovenia didn't help and midfield is arguably England's most problematic area at present. In fact, the Ox, like the equally lost Raheem Sterling, has the look of a player who is simply never going to cut it for England. As with most areas of his team, Southgate has much work to do in midfield before Russia.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaGaO4QCRT5wIqCcObTTap_ky-9X35KzYeFx0tldA-k0IfY69FUytiy_Op_-iw5oRs_eGB5n905hwxbvuQiO08sRsLOmOxOU999NWliVMdU5Mia-r6iKnFo2MmY97-Tu_NWZ4hFtH7iI/s1600/593e7643b17af13f1e00002d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="912" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaGaO4QCRT5wIqCcObTTap_ky-9X35KzYeFx0tldA-k0IfY69FUytiy_Op_-iw5oRs_eGB5n905hwxbvuQiO08sRsLOmOxOU999NWliVMdU5Mia-r6iKnFo2MmY97-Tu_NWZ4hFtH7iI/s640/593e7643b17af13f1e00002d.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

World Cup 2018: Kane is ray of light for Southgate's dour England

England are 22.00 to win the World Cup next summer but, following last night's scrappy performance, it'd be a brave bettor who backs...

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League One Betting: Shrewsbury can extend magnificent unbeaten run

<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walsall 2.68 v Shrewsbury Town 2.84, the draw 3.45</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shrewsbury stretched their remarkable unbeaten run to 11 League One matches last weekend; with a 2-0 win against Scunthorpe United, thus maintaining their four point cushion at the top of the table. It was also the first time that the Shrews won by more than one goal this term - which was a blow for the column, following the Under 1.5 bet, as Town got their second on 87 minutes.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cannot grumble, as they've done the column a favour on a couple of occasions this term, and there's no reason to deviate from that again for Saturday. Looking at their attractive price of 2.84, it's as if the market doesn't quite believe the start they have enjoyed - which is the best in their history.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe the home form of Walsall is clouding the issue here. They are unbeaten at the Banks's so far this term, and have scored 10 in five matches. In fact, all five of those games have been entertaining affairs with scores of 2-1, 3-3, 2-1, 1-1 and 2-2. This should alert us to the Over 2.5 Goals, and also the Both Teams To Score.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Historically, the Saddlers have a fine record against Shrewsbury, and they've won 10 of the last 12 meetings between the two. However, this start by Paul Hurst's side is something else, as they just keep going with the results.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are excellent away too; with four victories from five (which includes three 2-1 scorelines). Hurst has been clever in making changes too, with four players brought back into last Saturday's team.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hosts obviously know how to score at home, but they also concede. Their manager Jon Whitney has said he wants them to "to win ugly", which is something the Shrews are quite capable of doing.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bet </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back Shrewsbury Town Draw No Bet 0.5pt @ 2.00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MK Dons 2.80 v Bradford City 2.74, the draw 3.40</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The market has this priced up as though there is nothing between the two teams - I'd differ, although my record in backing and tipping Bradford is hardly inspired. Hopefully that will change.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went with the Bantams at home a fortnight ago against Fleetwood. I thought that Bradford would expose the Cod Army's awful record at set-pieces. I was wrong - and a 0-3 reversal sums up the league at times. Never be put off by backing the outsider. I'm still annoyed with that bet.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stuart McCall's side are better than that. They sit third in the table after all, and are unbeaten away from home with three wins and three draws. September was a superb month for McCall's men; gaining five wins from seven, with 16 points in the process.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opta stats are with the visitors here too; as Bradford have won each of their last three league away games at Stadium MK.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a 2-0 victory over Doncaster last Saturday, the Bantams bounced back after the shocker against Fleetwood. They didn't play particularly well, but their outlet Charlie Wyke scored again - from a header. That's now 12 headed goals in the league since the start of last season; two more than any other player in England's top four tiers according to the Opta team.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If City get their delivery right, they can do some damage here. And delivery is often their strong suit.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The MK Dons are unbeaten in four at home heading into this game, but with the Draw No Bet option on the visitors, they can add to their tally of away day wins.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recommended Bet </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back Bradford City Draw No Bet 0.5pt @ 1.90</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij9V5U7RqzVkWMoKcBrxabKlNqSSn6d8iq0SuwCBbrfT7P-DstSyJD41RvHpTZUQrtEBvHEf4G4ZFnwQ2YD8oLVN2xz8OZw6xDIC1ESG6aKQD8M5HKy8OC1qDK00ka2R2pmcbhaTjqXQ/s1600/Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1359" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij9V5U7RqzVkWMoKcBrxabKlNqSSn6d8iq0SuwCBbrfT7P-DstSyJD41RvHpTZUQrtEBvHEf4G4ZFnwQ2YD8oLVN2xz8OZw6xDIC1ESG6aKQD8M5HKy8OC1qDK00ka2R2pmcbhaTjqXQ/s640/Large.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>

League One Betting: Shrewsbury can extend magnificent unbeaten run

Walsall 2.68 v Shrewsbury Town 2.84, the draw 3.45 Shrewsbury stretched their remarkable unbeaten run to 11 League One matches last weeken...

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ATP Beijing / Tokyo: Semi Finals

<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rafael Nadal v Grigor Dimitrov</span></strong><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong><span style="background-color: white;">The last time they met Nadal prevailed in a 5 hour epic and despite leading their H2H 8-1, Dimitrov has consistently tested the Spaniard. Just 2 of Nadal’s 8 wins have come in straight sets and in they have in facts split the last 10 sets contested – 5 sets a piece. Nadal has never posted a straight sets win over Dimitrov on this surface and the faster the court the better chance that the Bulgarian has. They are both in red hot form. Rafa is on a 10 match win streak while Dimitrov has won 9 of his last 10. In that stretch Dimitrov has actually beaten more quality opponents, a list that includes Del Potro, Kyrgios, Isner and Bautista-Agut. Dimitrov will again force a deciding set.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best Bet: Over 21.5 games ($1.85)</span></strong></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick Kyrgios v Alexander Zverev</span></strong><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></strong><span style="background-color: white;">This shapes as the rivalry of the future – as long as Kyrgios stays in tennis that is. They have met 3 times this season already with Kyrgios claiming the fiirst two before Zverev exacted revenge in Montreal. All three encounters were at Masters Series level and on a similar surface to this one. They possess very similar games. A booming serve followed by heavy ground strokes and the aility to hit clean winners from every angle. Zverev has a significant edge from the backhand wing while currently Kyrgios is the more athletic of the two. There is no doubt who gets the tick in the temperament department and that is why The Wolf cannot look past Zverev. We have seen him squeeze out some very tough wins with his back to the wall and he has more big match experience thanks to a brilliant season. We are likely to see multiple breakers but if Zverev gets the upper hand look for him to go on with it.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best Bet: Zverev WIN ($1.91)</span></strong></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_mQlNiyk6MN3S-pm71s6I0chusnqthHIUscOgM_cdDlOIVTwNwhszDRX9yc3N0k_S-P095ekkOAD8JnlbIlKKEgStHItrX3zT8wUGHPk4g7YqlYr1Tyr2F_UIBWZL7tzFgs2mSfQJbY/s1600/nadal_ap-m1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="759" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_mQlNiyk6MN3S-pm71s6I0chusnqthHIUscOgM_cdDlOIVTwNwhszDRX9yc3N0k_S-P095ekkOAD8JnlbIlKKEgStHItrX3zT8wUGHPk4g7YqlYr1Tyr2F_UIBWZL7tzFgs2mSfQJbY/s640/nadal_ap-m1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br />

ATP Beijing / Tokyo: Semi Finals

Rafael Nadal v Grigor Dimitrov The last time they met Nadal prevailed in a 5 hour epic and despite leading their H2H 8-1, Dimitrov has cons...

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Mike Holden on the Football League: Grecians look a cut above Cumbrians

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Carlisle v Exeter</span><br />Saturday 15:00</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Only five months have passed since these two teams played out one of the greatest semi-finals in League Two Play-off history. Jack Stacey settled an 11-goal thriller with a thunderbolt in the fifth minute of stoppage time at St James Park, <span style="font-weight: 600;">sending Exeter to Wembley</span> with a 3-2 victory on the night, 6-5 on aggregate.<br /><br />It was a breathtaking finale to an incredible contest but, in truth, the drama was testament to the nerve-shredding nature of the competition and the sheer cojones in the Carlisle ranks, rather than any parity in performance. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Paul Tisdale's men</span>should have been home and hosed long before the anguish that greeted John O'Sullivan's late, late leveller for the Cumbrians.<br /><br />Over the course of the two legs, Exeter dominated territory, possession and shots on target. For more than two hours they sat on a lead, they twice held a two-goal advantage and at no stage were they behind, nor did they ever look like they might go behind. Whenever the scores - and the stakes - were level, it was one-sided. <span style="font-weight: 600;">The Grecians</span> looked a cut above.<br /><br />Last season, the two teams finished level on points but that tells only half a story. In late November, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Carlisle were second in the table</span> on 34 points from 17 matches, 18 points ahead of an Exeter team they had just beaten 3-2 with late goals from Shaun Miller and Charlie Wyke. In 40 league outings since, Exeter have taken 80 points, Carlisle just 51.<br /><br />The departure of Wyke was <span style="font-weight: 600;">a clear turning point in Keith Curle's tenure</span> at Brunton Park and the respective performance data over the past ten months backs up the results: Exeter are automatic promotion material, Carlisle are lower mid-table fodder. With that base rate assessment in mind, you cannot grumble with odds of <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="15/8"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.86</span></span> available on the away win.<br /><br />Some might argue the Grecians are weaker for the departures of Ollie Watkins and David Wheeler in the summer but that isn't evident on the pitch. With a shot ratio of 57 per cent, City are dominating matches to the same degree that they did over the final six months of last term. Eleven games into the new campaign, they <span style="font-weight: 600;">trail leaders Notts County only on goal difference</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1pt Exeter to beat Carlisle at</span> <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="15/8">2.86</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Crewe v Stevenage</span><br />Saturday 15:00</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Stevenage have crept into the top seven</span> of League Two with three wins in eight days last week, hinting at their ability to deal with the rigours of a gruelling 46-game season. And they look decent value to account for beleaguered Crewe at <span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative;" title="7/5"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.40</span></span>. The visitors have arguably the clearest tactical identity in the division, hosted by another with possibly the most diluted.<br /><br />The summer signing of <span style="font-weight: 600;">Chris Porter</span> appears to be at the root of many problems for the Railwaymen, prompting Dave Artell to upset the winning formula that propelled his team to safety towards the end of last season. The 33-year-old striker has been a guaranteed starter since moving north from Colchester, largely at the expense of Jordan Bowery.<br /><br />However, it was <span style="font-weight: 600;">Bowery's link-up play</span> as the focal point in a 4-3-2-1 that was pivotal to the turnaround at Gresty Road last term, providing 31-year-old Chris Dagnall with the ammunition to fire 12 goals in the final 14 matches running from deep. Now Porter is the main main and Artell has tried several systems to try and accommodate him, with little success.<br /><br />It's only recently, in the midst of an abysmal run that now totals six straight defeats, that Artell has tried to crowbar Bowery back into the starting line-up, alongside both veterans in attack. So <span style="font-weight: 600;">now it's George Cooper who takes a back seat</span>, an incisive 20-year-old left winger who scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists last term.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Carlisle were 5-0 winners at Gresty Road</span> a fortnight ago, only for Stevenage to bring them crashing back down to earth at Brunton Park three days later. It's an overly simplistic way to emphasise the difference between these two teams but it's a good indicator the recent standards they have been setting. And with Stevenage, you sense the best is yet to come.<br /><br />Speaking after the 2-0 win over Port Vale last weekend, <span style="font-weight: 600;">Boro boss Darren Sarll</span>said: "The thing I love at the moment is that, despite the three wins this week, there's an expectation for more. I can sense that in the fans and I applaud them for wanting even better. The culture at the club is absolutely terrific."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet<br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1pt Stevenage to beat Crewe at </span><span class="inline-odds" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline: none; padding: 0px 2px 1px; position: relative; transition: color 0.2s;" title="7/5">2.40</span></span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd-jyipJlHJJHXsP8Qbw2kd4766CV-ogC3t9nCo79_-yE-mmY6wqKRlsTrRXtWO1zmeIl4Zfn-b46pr1Dd_3e-ASv3R-1QPtuySksVIOWW_urAYy-wF4calLS8gu-exinRVB7WgI1xwk/s1600/skysports-carlisle-exeter_3953792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd-jyipJlHJJHXsP8Qbw2kd4766CV-ogC3t9nCo79_-yE-mmY6wqKRlsTrRXtWO1zmeIl4Zfn-b46pr1Dd_3e-ASv3R-1QPtuySksVIOWW_urAYy-wF4calLS8gu-exinRVB7WgI1xwk/s640/skysports-carlisle-exeter_3953792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>

Mike Holden on the Football League: Grecians look a cut above Cumbrians

Carlisle v Exeter Saturday 15:00 Only five months have passed since these two teams played out one of the greatest semi-finals in League ...

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Anthony Crolla vs Ricky Burns: Don't write Rickster off

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An all-British blockbuster takes place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday. Ricky Burns and Anthony Crolla meet in a match-up that has dedicated followers of the domestic game excited. There's bragging rights on the line here, but more importantly, both men are fighting for their futures in boxing.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ricky Burns and Anthony Crolla lost last time out in world title bouts. Lose again and they'll be forced into retirement, or at least into admitting their time at the top end of the sport has been and gone. But who will get the win needed to rejuvenate their career? The betting says Crolla, and without hesitation.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crolla has won just three of his last seven</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stating with the favourite, Million Dollar Crolla goes into fight number 41 of his career with a record showing 31 wins, against six defeats and three draws. Two of those losses have come in his last two starts, going down to Jorge Linares on points last summer, and again in March of this year. That means 30-year-old Crolla has managed just three wins in his last seven outings, and one of them came against Hungarian Gyorgy Mizsei, who has lost 20 times already.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The jolly will take more from winning performances against Columbian Darleys Perez, who he stopped in five rounds with an eye-watering body shot, and the previously unbeaten Ismael Barros, the Venezuelan also sent to the canvas with a well-timed attack downstairs. The seventh round TKO of Barroso was the Manchester fighter's last win. He was then beaten on a narrow points decision by Jorge Linares, with margins of one round, two rounds and six rounds, before the same man put the argument to bed, Linares again besting Crolla on the scorecards, this time by a more convincing score.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite that patchy form, Crolla is picked to get back to winning ways, and Betfair traders offer the home town hero their full support, marking him up as a 4/9 favourite, while he's 1.47 on the Exchange. Each of Million Dollar's last two wins have come inside the distance, and you can back him at 5.80 to do the same vs Burns. A nice price, but let's not forget Ricky has never been halted inside the distance. That makes the points cheer a better option at 1.89.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burns CV boasts some big names</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ricky Burns became Scotland's first-ever three-weight world champion, which is astonishing, but testament to just how good he has been since making his professional bow in 2001. A fantastic servant to British boxing, will he ever again compete at the top of the game? If there's any ambition left in Burns - who now has a record of 41 wins, six defeats and one draw - he must beat Crolla, and in convincing fashion too.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many fight fans, especially those based north of the border, want to see Rickster in with Josh Taylor, but that surely won't happen unless Burns comes out of this test with pass marks. The 34-year-old Scotsman lost to Julius Indongo last time out in an upset, beaten on points by the wily African. Indongo has since been in with Terence Crawford, but failed to go three rounds, meaning the form of that loss in April doesn't look too good.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ricky Burns may be a 3.35 outsider to beat Crolla in Manchester, but traders would do well to remember the class of opponent he has been in with, including Omar Figueroa, Terence Crawford, Raymundo Beltran, Kevin Mitchell, Michael Katsidis, Nicky Cook, Roman Martinez - you could go on and on - and has never been stopped. Take this bout to last the distance at 2/5 (Sportsbook) in your multiples, while I wouldn't put anyone off an interest play on Burns to win on points at 3.95. We've seen time and again, it never pays to write Ricky off.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burns to win @ 3.35</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy2exj2woRh8yecgxy_5kl6R_n-i3SFfgEd6sKaIoY_VGfSMYO3aYdRrkjxs24jj_O7smTCImRsgwHFvdwD02ZluSG1uvmdl3NhycN22a8Ak08jzyCVMVSZjRyTeKxOhQTB4Uq-qNh08/s1600/medium_2017-10-04-6aa2413b5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy2exj2woRh8yecgxy_5kl6R_n-i3SFfgEd6sKaIoY_VGfSMYO3aYdRrkjxs24jj_O7smTCImRsgwHFvdwD02ZluSG1uvmdl3NhycN22a8Ak08jzyCVMVSZjRyTeKxOhQTB4Uq-qNh08/s640/medium_2017-10-04-6aa2413b5b.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Anthony Crolla vs Ricky Burns: Don't write Rickster off

An all-British blockbuster takes place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday. Ricky Burns and Anthony Crolla meet in a match-up that has dedic...

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Chris Eubank Jr vs Avni Yildirim: Junior's knockout form to continue

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The latest leg of the captivating World Series of boxing pairs Chris Eubank Jnr with undefeated Turkish fighter Avni Yildirim in Germany on Saturday. The IBO world super middleweight title is on the line, but also a place in the semi-final of the series, where Eubank could meet George Groves.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saint George is in with Jamie Cox later this month, and expected to win, meaning the pressure is on Eubank to keep his side of the bargain. Easier said than done, against an opponent who has 16 wins from 16 starts, but the Brit is hot favourite to deliver, and I think he'll do just that.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eubank fancied to do his bit</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tongues are already wagging in the game about the possibility of Eubank - Groves, but the Brighton native, who continues to split opinion amongst fight fans, can't look past Yildirim, and we guarantee he won't be looking past Yildirim. 25 wins from 26 starts, the spare on Junior's record remains that 2014 loss to Billy Joe Saunders for British, Commonwealth and European straps.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It looked like that bout with Saunders came too early in the career of Eubank, but it was the beaten man who called it on, proving he was in a rush to get to the top of the division, and fancied himself with anyone in his way. A split decision went against the 28-year-old at London's Excel Arena that evening, but he came out of the night with credit, and has pushed on since. Seven wins from seven starts, only one opponent has gone the distance. That was Arthur Abraham, who broke Eubank's run of KO wins when losing on points to the Englishman at Wembley in July.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The scorecards showed a comfortable victory - eight rounds, eight rounds and 12 rounds - which goes some way to explaining why punters who want to keep Eubank close, will find him as a 1.23 favourite on the exchange. There's 1/7 through the Sportsbook about career win number 26. A 20th KO/TKO makes more appeal at 3.50, while those eager for their stake money to work a bit harder can get a second points win on the bounce at even money (Sportsbook).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A huge leap up in class for Yildirim</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">26-year-old Turk Avni Yildirim may not be a household name among fight fans, but that will all change if he beats Eubank on Saturday. Rival George Groves thinks that's a real possibility too, telling members of the press recently that he believes his fellow Brit might struggle. There's a lot to like about the underdog too, especially if you're one of many sports fans who have struggled to take to Eubank, and wouldn't mind profiting from his downfall.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yildirim has beaten each of the 16 men placed in front of him to date, hacking down ten of those opponents inside the distance. The level of opposition so far doesn't rate as particularly frightening however, with Eubank representing a massive leap up in class. The 5ft 11 inch orthodox made only his third trip over the championship 12 round distance last time when beating Mexican Marco Antonio Periban on points for the vacant WBC International title. Credit where it's due, but Periban has now failed to win half of his last 10.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Betfair traders are confident that Yildirim will leave Stuttgart empty-handed on Saturday, so much so they're happy enough to offer 4/1 on the Sportsbook, or 5.70 on the Exchange, to anyone who disagrees. With a 63% KO average, surely the second favourite's best chance is to test Eubank's chin, and lovers of a price may be tempted by the 7/1 about a KO, while 10/1 says he can eliminate Junior on the scorecards, both prices showing on the Sportsbook.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eubank win @ 1.23</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eubank by KO/TKO @ 3.50</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCSK0hZpRTJntJ5RhpYqLpgxqPd_p6-5nJJnIaBcIobp5K0CwRZT8IPxVDjexr9XWl5jYsyiVVzV8ZjYvuMlX9q2xwPyK0Ri4InBf_IMNPI0_DTkkkhozZvPO32T8K-tc8o40Ppk3g5E/s1600/2017-09-14T140944Z_1538573638_UP1ED9E13C7CK_RTRMADP_3_BOXING-SUPERMIDDLEWEIGHT-EUBANK-YILDIRIM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCSK0hZpRTJntJ5RhpYqLpgxqPd_p6-5nJJnIaBcIobp5K0CwRZT8IPxVDjexr9XWl5jYsyiVVzV8ZjYvuMlX9q2xwPyK0Ri4InBf_IMNPI0_DTkkkhozZvPO32T8K-tc8o40Ppk3g5E/s640/2017-09-14T140944Z_1538573638_UP1ED9E13C7CK_RTRMADP_3_BOXING-SUPERMIDDLEWEIGHT-EUBANK-YILDIRIM.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Chris Eubank Jr vs Avni Yildirim: Junior's knockout form to continue

The latest leg of the captivating World Series of boxing pairs Chris Eubank Jnr with undefeated Turkish fighter Avni Yildirim in Germany on ...

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The Punter's In-Play Blog: Luiten looks poised to kick on at Kingsbarns

<div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given the field is split around three different courses for the first three days (see Event Structure in the preview), the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is always a tricky event to evaluate and it's especially hard to assess when the weather's windy and changeable.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In recent editions, most of the big names have played the Carnoustie - Kingsbarns - St. Andrews rota over the first three days but this year they've kicked off at St. Andrews today and there'll be at Carnoustie tomorrow before playing Kingsbarns on Saturday. The weather forecast suggests a bit of respite from the blustery conditions tomorrow and some are viewing that as a break for the more fancied runners but I'm not at all convinced.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They will get to play the hardest course in the easiest conditions but they can't just go there and survive tomorrow. They'll need to score. The forecast for Saturday is very blowy and they'll struggle to go low around the easiest of the three venues - Kingsbarns.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those that have played Kingsbarns in today's windy weather will have a chance to kick on again at St Andrews tomorrow but they will then have to face Carnoustie in the worst of the weather on Saturday and I fancy those that have already played Carnoustie today have had the best of the draw. The last four winners have all kicked off at Carnoustie on day one and I can see it happening again.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the previous 16 editions of the event, all bar two winners were within four of the lead and inside the top-30 after day one so being up with the pace is usually very important but given the forecast, I haven't concentrated solely on the leading pack and the one I like at this very early stage is Joost Luiten.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luiten fired a two-under-par 70 around Carnoustie today and I thought he was too big at around the 50/1 mark. The Sportsbook did go 50/1 after he'd finished his round, with six places still up for grabs. That's been cut now but anywhere around 50.00 is still very acceptable on the exchange. He doesn't have spectacular event form but he's a fine links exponent and he sat second with a round to go before finishing 24th in 2013.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Safeway Open has kicked off on the PGA Tour but I'll look at that one tomorrow after the opening round.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alfred Dunhill Links Pre-Event Selections:</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Wood @ 40.00 - Non-Runner</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">J.B Holmes @ 60.00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ross Fisher @ 70.00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eddie Pepperell @ 75.00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Callum Shinkwin @ 140.00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Austin Connelly @ 160.00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeunghun Wang @ 200.00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In-Play Pick</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joost Luiten @ 50.00</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssOqufravUqi6-U3mAlnskbmnXFf9AaqsT9_lMihbgUy2hVF9HG4R8d9aeOmHO_d7er9XKDQGFD2NaYPZxZtGWZxLcKoEcf04pm2cRPMIJq6ddE6w4Uir70zXsyKZPdGdy9XGKyvIZA8/s1600/joost-luiten-in-achterhoede-eerste-dag-in-oostenrijk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssOqufravUqi6-U3mAlnskbmnXFf9AaqsT9_lMihbgUy2hVF9HG4R8d9aeOmHO_d7er9XKDQGFD2NaYPZxZtGWZxLcKoEcf04pm2cRPMIJq6ddE6w4Uir70zXsyKZPdGdy9XGKyvIZA8/s640/joost-luiten-in-achterhoede-eerste-dag-in-oostenrijk.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

The Punter's In-Play Blog: Luiten looks poised to kick on at Kingsbarns

Given the field is split around three different courses for the first three days (see Event Structure in the preview), the Alfred Dunhill L...

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ATP Beijing / Tokyo: Quarter Finals

<h5 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.2rem 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ATP Beijing Feature Previews</span></h5> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Rafael Nadal v John Isner</strong>Nadal may have a perfect 6-0 record against Isner but it is necessary to take a deeper dive into their matches. Isner famously held a two sets to one advantage at the French Open before losing in 5 and The Wolf says you can put a line through their 4 meetings on clay. Their other two clashes on hard courts have been close to say the least. Rafa needed three sets to win in Indian Wells and his win in Cincinnati was decided by two breakers. Inser has been dominant on serve this week making 70% of 1st serves and winning almost 90% of those points. Nadal has had trouble dealing with his serve in the past and The Wolf can smell an upset.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best Bet: Over 23.5 games ($2.00)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Nick Kyrgios v Steve Darcis</strong>When Kyrgios dropped the opening set against Zverev many would have been thinking he would roll over. He responded and did so in impressive fashion winning the next two sets via a double break. Darcis is the lowest ranked player remaining in the draw but The Wolf warns against disrespecting him. Won his way into the main draw and has made light work of Carreno-Busta and Lajovic. He also should have beaten Alexander Zverev last week. He is in fine form and has shown that he can handle big serves being thundered down at him. He is overs at the price and with Kyrgios as inconsistent as they come Darcis is the play.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best Bet: Darcis WIN ($4.20)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVcx6leV0YBY-Mrya4YjBLTTt-QQY6XbX8PGjehCkucX42Rr3847xMG5Z3WZtGzZj6i5xEVF7STGHCNGx6L9LZTu0VPHxwpiaB6T-AxNDw67At4_dEsvmEz6tzCabjHjSm7IKjPfrhV8/s1600/skysports-tennis-beijing-china-open-rafael-rafa-nadal-atp_4119993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVcx6leV0YBY-Mrya4YjBLTTt-QQY6XbX8PGjehCkucX42Rr3847xMG5Z3WZtGzZj6i5xEVF7STGHCNGx6L9LZTu0VPHxwpiaB6T-AxNDw67At4_dEsvmEz6tzCabjHjSm7IKjPfrhV8/s640/skysports-tennis-beijing-china-open-rafael-rafa-nadal-atp_4119993.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></span></div>

ATP Beijing / Tokyo: Quarter Finals

ATP Beijing Feature Previews Rafael Nadal v John Isner Nadal may have a perfect 6-0 record against Isner but it is necessary to take a de...

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Rugby Championship Round 6

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">South Africa v New Zealand</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Sunday 2:05am at <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town</strong></strong></span><div> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></strong></div> <div> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The penultimate game of the Rugby Championships sees traditional rivals New Zealand and South Africa face off at the foo of Table Mountain.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Selection News</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The All Blacks return to full strength this week with coach Steve Hansen naming seven changes to the side that got a bonus point win in Buneo Aires last week. Experienced duo Sam Cane and Sam Whitelock return to the starting XV alongside Liam Squire to bolster the pack while Ryan Crotty and Nehe Milner-Skudder have been named out wide.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several changes to the Springbok side as they attempt to shore up second place on the Rugby Championship ladder. Lood De Jager earns a start in the second row partnering skipper Eben Etzebeth, with Pieter -Steph Du Toit shifting to blindside flanker to accommodate the giant Bulls lock. This sees Francois Louw moving to the base of the scrum at the expense of Uzair Cassiem who suffered some broken ribs in the draw with the Wallabies last week.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last time they met</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">23 September 2017 – New Zealand 57 – 0 South Africa</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stat that matters</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 57-0 thrashing in Auckland 3 weeks ago, is the All Blacks largest ever score and winning margin against the South Africans. It’s also the biggest loss inflicted on the Springboks and just the 3<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">rd</sup> time they have been held to 0</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Key Match-up</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ross Cronje vs Aaron Smith</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s no coincidence the Boks worst performance all year came with Cronje unavailable. The little blonde halfback has been a revelation for both the Lions and the national side in 2017 with his organization, quick service and partnership with Elton Jantjies crucial to the rainbow nations attack. He will be up against it on Saturday night however when he faces the best halfback in the game Aaron Smith. After a lean 2016 which included an incriminating sex scandal and saw him relegated to 2<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">nd</sup> fiddle behind TJ Perenara, Smith has bounced back in 2017 to returning to his frightening best throughout the RC in particular.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Form</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both sides have lost just the one game in 2017, however they were under very different circumstances. The 14 man All Blacks went down by 3 points to the Lions in the 2<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">nd</sup> test in Wellington, whilst as mentioned earlier the Springboks were obliterated in Albany late September. New Zealand were outstanding in the first half last week in Bueno Aires rushing out to a 29 – 3 lead at the break, they will be disappointed with their second forty however with too many errors seeing the second half score line level finish at 7 points apiece . The Boks will also be hurting after their performance in Bloemfontein where they slumped to their second draw of the year against the Wallabies.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How it’s shaping</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wolf is expecting a much-improved showing from the Springboks in front of a passionate Cape Town crowd, but whether they can spring an upset remains to be seen. They have named a large forward pack and will look to put pressure on the ABs at scrum and lineout time. The Wolf feels there will be nothing between the two side for the opening 60 minutes or so before the World’s greatest sporting team show there class and run away with it.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final Thoughts</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Zealand by 15</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended bets</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Best Bet: New Zealand 13+ ($1.67)</strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value Bet: South Africa score first and lose ($3.00)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Argentina v Australia<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sunday 9:40am at Estadio Malvinas, Argentinas, Mendoza</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wallabies can end the Rugby Championship on a high and secure second spot on the table with a win over the Pumas in Mendoza.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Selection News</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wallabies have named an unchanged starting XV for the first time this championship with Michael Chieka showing faith in the boys that went close to pulling off a famous win at altitude last week. Just the two changes on the bench with prop Tetera Faulkner set to play his first test match of 2017 after some impressive showings in the NRC. The 6 – 2 bench split has been abandoned with Henry Speight assuming the role of reserve outside back at the expense of Ned Hanigan.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pumas are expected to make minimal changes when their side is announced late on Friday.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last time they met</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">th</sup> September 2017 – Australia 45 – 20 Argentina</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stat that matters</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Israel Folau has already broken the Australian record for tries in a calendar year. Folau has 11 ‘Meat Pies’ from just 8 games and scored a double last time the Wallabies met the Pumas in Canberra. The Wolf is expecting the Wallabies mercurial fullback to again cross the chalk in Mendoza.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Key Match-up</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomas Lavanini vs Adam Coleman – There will be no love lost when these two big enforcers clash in the second row. Coleman has been immense for the Wallabies in 2017 and with the giant lock off contract after the removal of the Force he should be the ARUs number one priority in terms of resignings. Tomas Lavanini has experienced an indifferent rugby championship campaign. The 130kg behemoth has looked good around the park, but his discipline has really let the Pumas down with Lavanini receiving 3 yellow cards from just 3 RC championship games.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Form</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a brave 2<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">nd</sup> half performance from the Argentines in Bueno Aires last week. Down 29-3 at halftime, the Wolf was expecting the All Blacks to go on with the job and put an absolute cricket cricket score on the hosts but to Argentina’s credit they fought hard to draw the 2<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">nd</sup> 40 minutes 7-7 giving them their loyal fans some hope for the final game of the Rugby Championship against the Wallabies. The Australians were impressive last week, and perhaps should have gone onto to beat the Springboks in Bloemfontein. There are some seriously good connections forming in the backline and the Wolf is excited about future prospects.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How it’s shaping</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since the 2<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">nd</sup> Bledisloe Cup match in Dunedin he Wallabies have been playing some inspired rugby. The front and back row conundrum looks to be sorted for the time being with both units performing admirably in South Africa. The back line is the real weapon for the men in gold and now sits behind only the All Blacks in terms of class. Unfortunately, the Wallabies undoing over the last 18 months has been a sheer lack of consistency so it is important that they turn up on Sunday Morning (AEDST) and put the Pumas to the sword ahead of the 3<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">rd</sup> Bledisloe in Brisbane and the all-important Spring tour.</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final Thoughts</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wallabies by 14</span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended bets</span></strong></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Best bet: Australia first half line – 3.5 ($1.90)</span></strong><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Value bet: Australia 13+ ($2.65)</span></strong></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong></span></div> <div class="ssbp-set--one ssbp-wrap ssbp--centred ssbp--theme-9" data-ssbp-toggle="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"> <div class="ssbp-container" data-ssbp-post-id="72356" data-ssbp-share-text="" data-ssbp-short-url="" data-ssbp-title="Rugby Championship Round 6" data-ssbp-url="http://blog.williamhill.com.au/rugby-union/rugby-championship-round-6/" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sW2UON7n1Ycy8fMRFdPb5K13DKiZhEUQJaQeKJOu3Tfv0CY4GWpJ2dXNdRnYma38wSJCd0rnkYKgX0MwhhnpbqLdA6ib94uDwhI1rObJaFq_dyEBsRhxl-nprRkXQvqFhIDiNBxYbtk/s1600/160917_Preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sW2UON7n1Ycy8fMRFdPb5K13DKiZhEUQJaQeKJOu3Tfv0CY4GWpJ2dXNdRnYma38wSJCd0rnkYKgX0MwhhnpbqLdA6ib94uDwhI1rObJaFq_dyEBsRhxl-nprRkXQvqFhIDiNBxYbtk/s640/160917_Preview.jpg" width="640" /></a><div> <br /></div> </div> </div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></strong></div> </strong></strong></div>

Rugby Championship Round 6

South Africa v New Zealand Sunday 2:05am at  DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town The penultimate game of the Rugby Championships sees tradit...

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Georgia v Wales: Bale's absence likely to quell Dragons' fire in tough qualifier

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Georgia v Wales</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday 6 October, 17:00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live on Sky Sports Main Event</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Draw specialists</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Georgia are second-bottom of Group D and are winless in their eight matches, but they are a tough nut to crack and five of the eight have ended all-square.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the draws was in the reverse fixture 12 months ago in Cardiff when Georgia went behind early but fought back to equalise in the second half.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big hole for Wales without Bale</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big news is the calf injury that has ruled Gareth Bale out of Wales' last two qualifiers, here and against the Republic of Ireland on Monday.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wales are second in the group, four points behind Serbia and a point ahead of third-placed Ireland. Topping the group is not out of the question, but the consensus view is that Wales need at least four points from these last two qualifiers to secure a playoff spot as runners-up.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Coleman had Bale pushed up with Sam Vokes and Tom Lawrence in a more attacking formation in last month's 1-0 home win over Austria but he seems likely to opt for a lone striker this time, with Hal Robson-Kanu in pole position. Ben Woodburn, who came on to score against Austria, may well get another chance if Wales are struggling to break the deadlock again.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lack of confidence in favourites</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bale is the Welsh talisman and his absence is a big loss. The Real Madrid star is Wales' top scorer in this qualifying campaign with four goals and in the past five years they have won only once in 10 matches (competitive and friendly) without him in the starting line-up.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's more, they are low-scoring without him - only six goals in those 10 Bale-less matches.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No wonder Wales have drifted from odds-on to 2.04 and they still look risky even at the longer odds.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Georgia drew 1-1 at home to Ireland last month - again coming back after conceding early - and that was the fourth of their eight qualifiers to finish with that scoreline.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although Serbia (3-1) and Austria (2-1) have beaten them in Tbilisi in this campaign, other home results in recent years show it is a tough place to come (0-1 v Spain, 0-0 v France, 1-0 v Scotland).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps the best way for Wales backers to go for bigger odds in a probable low scorer is the win to nil at 3.00 but the draw is the most appealing option at 3.35.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low goals looks likely</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under 2.5 goals is 1.55 and the case is obvious. Wales have been low-scoring in this campaign anyway - their last six games have had under 2.5 goals - and six of their last 10 matches without Bale have had unders.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Five of Georgia's eight qualifiers have had unders and Wales might have to score twice to force the score over that mark. Without Bale, it is questionable whether they can do that.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bet</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back the draw at 3.35</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuRWcFk25WZ-4hALyq_KvOm8lIkNDNW2G68OKRsltiNGT5KoxK9RvqX_ol1Ch83ieFRGDg3ZY_Lh9u3yIdiObrzE4HKEODUQEramZyQM_nhDPWJ_BmfGlURV10hQCO57aqMHOdQCGKHY/s1600/gareth-bale-goal-wales-georgia_3804810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuRWcFk25WZ-4hALyq_KvOm8lIkNDNW2G68OKRsltiNGT5KoxK9RvqX_ol1Ch83ieFRGDg3ZY_Lh9u3yIdiObrzE4HKEODUQEramZyQM_nhDPWJ_BmfGlURV10hQCO57aqMHOdQCGKHY/s640/gareth-bale-goal-wales-georgia_3804810.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Georgia v Wales: Bale's absence likely to quell Dragons' fire in tough qualifier

Georgia v Wales Friday 6 October, 17:00 Live on Sky Sports Main Event Draw specialists Georgia are second-bottom of Group D and are win...

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Rep of Ireland v Moldova: O'Neill's men to pass first 'must win' test

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Republic of Ireland v Moldova</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday, 19:45</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live on Sky Sports</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Republic of Ireland 1.12 Moldova 38.00 Draw 11.00</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moldova is the starter for Ireland ahead of Monday's main course away to Wales which is the last chance to keep fading World Cup hopes alive.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September was a disaster for Martin O'Neill's side with a one point return from crunch games with Georgia and Serbia ruining the good work that had left them joint top heading into that window.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their automatic qualification ambitions have perished. Ireland now sit third and O'Neill's men must win their final two games to have any chance of making a play-off.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That return would guarantee second in the group but the caveat is that they also need results in other groups to go their way as the runner-up with the lowest number of points is eliminated.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Between now and Monday, the permutations will clear up and become more straightforward. Moldova's visit on Friday should be the most uncomplicated part of the week.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are the poorest side in the group and Ireland overcame a wobble to win 3-1 in Chisinau last October.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moldova have caused a couple of problems across the campaign but they have struggled to see games out. In fixtures with Austria and Wales, they held firm until the final 15 minutes and conceded twice. Across their eight outings, they've conceded 20 goals.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Granted, Ireland are shot-shy. They've only scored twice in four home matches. Key men Robbie Brady and James McClean are suspended while Jon Walters and Seamus Coleman are out for the campaign.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But they should be smarting from their September struggles and this fixture is the perfect opportunity to bring some momentum into the decider.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O'Neill is likely to stack his side with stronger experienced options initially with a view to removing suspense and resting legs later on. The combination of Wes Hoolahan, Shane Long and the in-form Daryl Murphy should be able to put the hosts in a commanding position. New call-ups Scott Hogan and Sean Maguire are options to come in off the bench to boost a flagging department.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moldova's tendency to concede late might lend itself to a lay with a view to getting involved later on and in-running traders should keep that in mind on all markets as there's little value in getting stuck in at 1.12. Other markets are of more interest.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goal Lines: Over 3.0 @ 2.08</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who aren't familiar with the Asian Handicap markets, this offers a bit of security when it comes to taking a punt on the number of goals in the match. A straight bet on Overs in the 3.5 goals market is 2.62. It is hard to recommend that with absolute confidence as there is a danger Ireland might pull up the brakes and make some changes with Wales in mind if they are in command - and they don't have a history of really cutting teams open and running up a number.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Moldova still have vulnerabilities and can be exploited.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ireland should score at least two goals in the game - it would be disappointing if they fell short of that - and the second half mindset will be vital. If a punter is on Over 3.0 in the Goal Lines then they get their money back if there ends up being exactly three goals in the game. If there's four then they collect but at the reduced odds of 2.08. That is the sensible play here as three should be the threshold.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The straight Over 2.5 is 1.70. That could have in-running potential at bigger odds if there's only one goal on the board at the break.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cyrus Christie To Score @ 9.60</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Middlesbrough player should start the game and if Ireland are on the front foot then he will spend a lot of time in the opposition half. When Ireland won in Moldova last year, Seamus Coleman was a key attacking threat made a goal. Christie is an inferior player but he can threaten in the opposition half and has already scored competitively for Ireland - a deadlock breaker against a Gibraltar side that was parked in their own half back in September 2015.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will be rotation in other positions but Christie should be involved for the full 90 and will have opportunities. It's worth a speculative investment. He's more than double the odds to score first too.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recommended Bets</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Over 3.0 Goal Lines @ 2.08</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back Cyrus Christie To Score 9.60</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjW92iWdeoZANrea6BITBbjoBcjMrOV9PdjvxuKDyd2NmyLCJ1MquWMTSwp6vR1o_NAvETe_9lq4TSARY0fSni9pxOWP4dlvTKrcwX3EMSeja-KFnnFdEDC25SBMNtVTwsaEUQxvf2kA/s1600/james-mcclean-republic-of-ireland-moldova_3805047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjW92iWdeoZANrea6BITBbjoBcjMrOV9PdjvxuKDyd2NmyLCJ1MquWMTSwp6vR1o_NAvETe_9lq4TSARY0fSni9pxOWP4dlvTKrcwX3EMSeja-KFnnFdEDC25SBMNtVTwsaEUQxvf2kA/s640/james-mcclean-republic-of-ireland-moldova_3805047.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Rep of Ireland v Moldova: O'Neill's men to pass first 'must win' test

Republic of Ireland v Moldova Friday, 19:45 Live on Sky Sports Republic of Ireland 1.12 Moldova 38.00 Draw 11.00 Moldova is the starte...

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