Live on ITV 1: Tue 20.00: England are 3/4 favourites with to beat Ghana but changes at the back mean they could concede.
It was a case of ‘job done’ for England on Saturday as they took the sting out of their clash with Wales in the early stages, notching twice inside the opening 14 minutes. Fabio Capello subsequently released five players from the squad, namely John Terry, Michael Dawson, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney so it’s something of a weakened line-up that will take to the field for the friendly against Ghana.
Nevertheless, Capello’s troops are 3/4 favourites to get the better of the Black Stars, although given the personnel changes punters should tread carefully even if England should come out on top.
At least three of Saturday’s back four won’t feature and that could ultimately have a bearing on the clash as the hosts might just look a little more vulnerable defensively while Ghana undoubtedly have enough quality players to exploit any weaknesses and hurt the ‘Three Lions’.
The best bet then, could be Coral’s 20/19 for both teams to get on the scoresheet or alternatively Sportingbet quote an attractive 11/10 for the clash to produce three or more goals.
For England, Andy Carroll will start in attack and bet365 price the Liverpool man at 7/4 to find the net, although the bold may prefer a riskier flutter for potentially more lucrative rewards in the shape of Betfred’s 11/2 for the powerful striker to break the deadlock.
Ireland grabbed three crucial qualifying points at the weekend as they edged out Macedonia but they might find the going tough as they take on Uruguay. Like Fabio Capello, Giovanni Trapattoni has opted to make a host of changes, only selecting four of the eleven players that started Saturday’s victory and that can tip the balance in favour of the South American side, who are 6/4 courtesy of Totesport to nick it.
Also set to chalk up a home win are France, who tackle Croatia. Laurent Blanc’s team ran out 2-0 winners against Luxembourg on Friday while a day later Slaven Bilic’s troops went down 1-0 in Georgia. The form is with the hosts then and although friendlies tend to be a punting minefield, Les Bleus are big enough at 19/20 (William Hill) to be worth taking a chance on.
Recommended Bets:
Both teams to score in England v Ghana – 20/19 (Coral)
Uruguay to beat Ireland – 6/4 (Totesport)
France to beat Croatia – 19/20 (William Hill)
Compare all International Friendly odds and bet at the best price.
