Euro 2012 Qualifying Betting: France v Belarus

Internationals / James Eastham / 02 September 2010 / Leave a Comment

Philippe Mexes (front) goes through his training drills this week as he prepares to marshall France's new-look defence on Saturday

"If France's 6ft 4in centre-forward Guillaume Hoarau makes the team sheet, I'd back him to find the net. He has begun the season in excellent form for PSG, scoring a stunning goal in their 3-1 defeat at Sochaux last Sunday. His height, power and underrated technique will cause Belarus' defence problems."

France's new central defensive partnership is Laurent Blanc's main concern as he takes charge of les Bleus in a competitive fixture for the first time. Best bet: Both teams to score @ [2.46].

Having watched the national team he once graced concede 10 goals in six games at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, it came as little surprise when one of Laurent Blanc's first decisions after taking over as national team boss in July was to reshape the side's central defence. For the time being, he's settled on Lille's Adil Rami and Roma's Philippe Mexes as his first-choice partnership - but the problem is the pair have had little time to get used to each other.

The duo played for 90 minutes and showed promise in Blanc's first game in charge in Norway last month, but France still conceded twice (Norway ran out 2-1 winners) and Mexes' lack of first-team action at Roma is a minor concern. If ever there was a time to back France to concede against one of Europe's weaker sides, it's now, even though the presence of brilliant goalkeeper Hugo Lloris lends the hosts a certain security. I'd take the [2.46].

France are [1.38] to start their qualifying campaign, and it's difficult to argue with that price considering Belarus ([11.0] to cause an upset) have won just eight of 38 European Championship qualifiers to date.

If you're looking for another interest on the match, consider a range of home players in the scorers markets. It's vital to wait for team news as Blanc has yet to name his starting XI, but if 6ft 4in centre-forward Guillaume Hoarau makes the team sheet, I'd back him to find the net. He has begun the season in excellent form for PSG, scoring a stunning goal in their 3-1 defeat at Sochaux last Sunday. His height, power and underrated technique will cause Belarus' defence problems.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ [2.46].
Other Bet: Guillaume Hoarau to score anytime @ [2.50] (if he starts, keep an eye out for team news).