Preview of England v Germany, Wednesday 8pm, live on BBC1

Internationals / Editor / 21 August 2007 / Leave a Comment

Both teams decimated by injuries but stil plenty of markets to get stuck into

England's final game before vital Euro 2008 ties at their superb new home against bitter rivals Germany, who devastated a Kevin Keegan-led side in their final game at the old Wembley, hardly feels like a traditional friendly.

Add another home manager under pressure and two squads decimated by injury and you have all the ingredients of a high-pressure and intriguing encounter.

Steve McClaren wanted to use this game as a warm-up for the Euro 2008 qualifiers to come against Israel and Russia, but with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney missing, it instead provides a chance for fringe players to shine against the old enemy.

Despite England's struggles early in the Euro qualifying campaign, this game is a battle between two of the leading fancies, with Germany heading Betfair's outright market at 7 and England available at 11.5.

Although England will feel cursed by injury, Germany have arguably been hit even harder, with Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack's absence ripping the attacking heart out of their side.

Germany have been in good scoring form in qualifying, although their statistics are padded by 19 goals in two wins over San Marino, but it is still something of a surprise to see the under portion of the over/under 2.5 goals market priced at 1.7 - the over can be backed at 2.38 although both prices could shift markedly with more liquidity.

The rich and fruitful history between the sides always adds extra spice but this will be the first meeting in six years, six long years since one of England's best recent victories, the 5-1 World Cup qualifying win in Munich.

Coincidence punters can take the Any Unquoted score option in the correct score market if they fancy a repeat, with a reward of 19.5 available for the brave.

Those with vivid memories of Germany having the last laugh at the old stadium with a 1-0 win that preceded the Munich victory, will note that same scoreline attracting interest at 10.5

But it is still the home side who are the favourites in Betfair's match odds market at a price of 2.26, with the Germans 3.9 and 3.25 available for the draw - there has only been one draw from six meetings since 1990.

It is not just the history between the sides that fuels thoughts of a fiery clash, as there are many players with a lot to prove who would not really want a stroll in the park. To that end, it would be no surprise to see a sending-off, available with Betfair at 5.5. The bookings index is similarly settling at a much lower mark than would expect had this encounter been part of a tournament.

England have only once prevented Germany from scoring in the past six encounters which is reflected in the 2.68 available on Yes in Betfair's England Clean Sheet market. Germany, who have twice achieved the feat, could prove tempting at 3.75.

Among the players England may struggle to cope with is the pacey David Odonkor, but as a recent addition to Joachim Loew's squad, there is no certainty he will figure from the start, making the first goalscorer market one to keep a close eye on when line-ups are announced, or as one of many in-play options.

Michael Owen, with 37 goals from 82 England caps, will be a popular selection in Betfair's To Score markets if he plays. But without 90 minutes of competitive football under his belt since recovering from injury, punters may want to assess his sharpness and value in-play.