Nervy week ahead for England & Scotland
English and Scottish football fans could be in for a nail-biting few days, as both teams try and book their place in Germany
Dave Harris
06-Oct-2005
English and Scottish football fans could be in for a nail-biting few days, as both teams try and book their place in Germany. If you are tempted to have a punt on this weekend's matches, it's worth having a look at the spread betting markets at bethilo. They're offering £25 cash and a first bet refund to all new clients** and also allowing punters to bet with stakes as small as 1p - an ideal introduction to spread betting. Here are our thoughts on the big games:
England v Austria
Even without Rooney (suspended) and Ashley Cole (injured), England are clear favourites to beat Austria. bethilo are predicting that Sven's team will win by 1.8 to 2.0 goals. The visitors recently scraped draws at home to Scotland and Azerbaijan, and haven't provided much of an attacking threat away from home in Group 6 so far.
Even without Rooney (suspended) and Ashley Cole (injured), England are clear favourites to beat Austria. bethilo are predicting that Sven's team will win by 1.8 to 2.0 goals. The visitors recently scraped draws at home to Scotland and Azerbaijan, and haven't provided much of an attacking threat away from home in Group 6 so far.
After their much publicised recent poor performances, England can only improve. Sven is expected to return to a 4-4-2 system, with Gerrard operating at the base of a diamond - a position he excelled in for Liverpool a few seasons ago. With Beckham moved to the right in order to supply Crouch with crosses, and Owen now playing and scoring regularly, nothing less than a convincing win will appease an expectant nation.
Scotland v Belarus
Scotland still have an outside chance of qualifying from Group 5, and should be a better side than the one that drew nil-nil with Belarus in June. Walter Smith's team are unbeaten since that game and go into this match on the back of an impressive victory in Norway. The goal scoring prowess of Miller, along with a much improved team spirit has transformed the Tartan Army's fortunes.
Scotland still have an outside chance of qualifying from Group 5, and should be a better side than the one that drew nil-nil with Belarus in June. Walter Smith's team are unbeaten since that game and go into this match on the back of an impressive victory in Norway. The goal scoring prowess of Miller, along with a much improved team spirit has transformed the Tartan Army's fortunes.
Saying that, in Hleb the visitors will have the best player on the park and should not be underestimated. Belarus have only one victory in this group, but they've drawn four of their games and are a tough side to break down. bethilo think Scotland will come out on top by 0.7 to 0.9 goals, and they'll have to be at their best to grab the three points they desperately need.
N Ireland v Wales
The 2-2 draw between these sides in Cardiff last year was a bad-tempered affair with 3 players sent off. Wales were unlucky to drop points in that match, and although both teams cannot progress from Group 6, pride is at stake at Windsor Park. This should be another close contest, particularly since Wales have a significantly weaker squad to choose from these days.
The 2-2 draw between these sides in Cardiff last year was a bad-tempered affair with 3 players sent off. Wales were unlucky to drop points in that match, and although both teams cannot progress from Group 6, pride is at stake at Windsor Park. This should be another close contest, particularly since Wales have a significantly weaker squad to choose from these days.
With Bellamy injured, Wales are expected to play with just Hartson up front. So Giggs will need to be on top form if the visitors are to create chances for the big man. With home advantage and their performance against England still fresh in the memory, N Ireland are slight favourites. bethilo are predicting that the home side will edge it by 0.0 to 0.2 goals, and with Healy in fine form another famous victory could be within reach.
£25 Cash for New Clients**
Fancy putting £25 in your pocket? Open a bethilo account* and place 3 sports bets (where each bet must be able to win or lose £5) before 30th October 2005 to qualify.**
Fancy putting £25 in your pocket? Open a bethilo account* and place 3 sports bets (where each bet must be able to win or lose £5) before 30th October 2005 to qualify.**
In addition, bethilo will also refund your first losing bet, up to a maximum of £10.**
*Suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with bethilo. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose.
For full details of the above offers, and to open your account, visit the bethilo site here.
bethilo is a trading name of Sporting Index which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
The information contained herein is for your general information and use. In particular, it does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by bethilo and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining to make) any specific decisions.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.