Andorra v England Betting Preview
The second half of a Euro 2008 double-bill of fixtures concludes on Wednesday night, after which we should have a clearer picture of the 14 nations who will join Austria & Switzerland for the tournament next summer.
England's lack lustre goalless draw in Tel Aviv on Saturday night extended their winless run to five games, in which time some of the highest paid talent in world football has managed to score only a single goal. Despite enjoying overwhelming superiority of possession, Steve McClaren's side were unable to break down a dogged Israeli side, leaving the Three Lions third in what is considered a weak section.
The result produced a predictable backlash from the notoriously fickle British media who've been sharpening their knives for McClaren for some time. England's next assignment is arguably the easiest, away to the tiny principality of Andorra, where anything but a comfortable victory could prove fatal for the under-fire England boss. Andorra were McClaren's first ever competitive opponents when the sides met at Old Trafford, in front of more spectators than there are Andorran citizens. As expected, England won the no-contest at a canter scoring 5 goals with the Andorrans unable to muster a single shot - on or off target.
Andorra's aggregate score from four defeats in this competition reads 19-1, so logic points to an England victory, but Andorra have shown they are capable of an upset. In World Cup 2006 qualification they beat Macedonia 1-0 and held Finland to a goalless draw at home, which should force punters to at least consider the possibility that Andorra can cover Pinnacle Sports's four goal handicap: England at 1.943 (+4), Andorra 1.980 (+4).
Andorra have however, made things even easier for the Three Lions by opting not to play at their tiny Estadi Comunal, which by virtue of its size, may have given them some territorial advantage. Instead, the game will be played at Espanyol's Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, where England fans will give their side the feel of a home game in Spain.
Tartan Army Heads to Bari
Scotland's supporters travel to the Adriatic sea hoping their side can defend their unlikely position at the top of Group B, ahead of France, Ukraine and the World Champions who they face on Wednesday night in Bari. Scotland and Italy were drawn together during qualification for the World Cup the Azzurri lifted last July, and though the Scots lost the away leg 2-0, the game was closer than the score suggests, decided only by two Andrea Pirlo free-kicks.
Under new coach, Roberto Donadoni, the Italians appeared far from invincible at the start of Euro 2008 qualification drawing at home to Lithuania, before losing 3-1 in Paris. Italy have however, made an art out of rescuing faltering qualification campaigns, and they are firm favourites for this game with Pinnacle Sports offering 1.820 (-1 & -1.5) with Scotland at 2.12 (+1 & +1.5).
