Andy's Friday tips - England to win opener
The Premier League may be taking a week off but our star tipster Andy Gray is here as always, offering his predictions on how England and co will fare on the opening day of Euro 2012 qualifying...
England v Bulgaria
The Betfair markets are right to have England as firm favourites at [1.33]. They're missing key players and could lack confidence following the World Cup but this is an ideal game to start their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Bulgaria have had great players in the past but this side lacks quality. Fans are forgiving and if England win they will start to believe again.
Losing John Terry as well as Rio Ferdinand is a blow but England can cope. I expect Matthew Upson's experience will get him the nod in defence and I would like to see him partnered by Phil Jagielka. The Everton man is quick along the ground and deserves another chance at this level.
Frank Lampard's absence provides a good opportunity for Fabio Capello to partner Steven Gerrard with Gareth Barry in the centre of midfield. Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson have both made impressive starts to the season and, if I was picking the team, I'd play those two or James Milner out wide in a four man midfield. That would look very positive.
Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe have the makings of a good partnership. They're both quick, both extremely talented finishers and it doesn't concern me that they are both small. Rooney is most effective when he plays high up the field but if he has to play off Defoe's shoulder he can still conjure magic. England are determined to give their fans something to shout about so I'm backing them to win by two goals.
Recommended Bets:
Back England at [1.33]
Back England to win 3-1 at [13.5]
Back England to win 2-0 at [6.8]
Lithuania v Scotland
Scotland are slight favourites at [2.74] but the price reflects their poor away form over recent years. Lithuania will provide a stern test but, with Spain almost certain to win the group, this is exactly the type of game Scotland must get something from if they are to reach the play-offs. Would I be happy with a draw? Perhaps, but I hope Craig Levein sets his side up to win. A number of players have considerable Premier League experience now and Scotland are gaining confidence as a team.
Recommended Bet: Back Scotland at [2.74]
Armenia v Republic of Ireland
Armenia's players will be full of passion, committed and proud to represent their country so this is tricky for Ireland. I think they will be too strong though. Giovanni Trapattoni knows his players well, they are a good team and the likes of Robbie Keane and Shay Given will be champing at the bit. After narrowly missing out on the World Cup, Ireland are ready to reach their first tournament since 2002.
Recommended Bets: Back Republic of Ireland to win at [1.77] and top Group B at [4.5]
Montenegro v Wales
Wales have a terrible recent away record and John Toshack's men are very much in transition at present. Gareth Bale is playing well and in Craig Bellamy they have a mercurial talent who is always capable of making things happen. This a tough start for the Welsh though; Montenegro are a decent team and I expect them to win.
Recommended Bet: Back Montenegro at [1.92]
Slovenia v Northern Ireland
Of all the home nations, Northern Ireland face the toughest opponents on Friday night. In qualifying and at the World Cup, Slovenia showed what a strong team they are. It would be a major surprise if Nigel Worthington's team won and I'm going to back the home side.
Recommended Bet: Back Slovenia at [1.69]
Andy Gray is now on Twitter so follow him for his exclusive tips and his take on the biggest stories in football each week.
Published: 3 Sep 2010
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