San Marino-England Betting Preview: Rooney to run riot in Serravalle
Mar 22, 2013 8:50:00 AM
After a 1-1 draw away to Poland last October, Roy Hodgson’s men travel to the world’s joint lowest rank team in need of a win and Hugh Wilson has picked out a 9/2 value bet
Trailing Montenegro by two points in Group H, England face the seemingly easy task of playing San Marino in Friday’s World Cup qualifier. The Three Lions are currently unbeaten on the road to Brazil, with two draws and two wins.
Roy Hodgson has come out this week to say that they will not lack respect for their opponents and the "game is not won". That's in stark contrast to the betting markets where Paddy Power price England at 1/100 (1.01) so as far as their concerned, a victory is all but guaranteed.
San Marino come into this match with no goals or points in their World Cup Qualifying so far.
In fact, Giampaolo Mazza’s men have only won one of their last 115 games. Paddy Power price them at a modest 50/1 (51.00) to cause one of the biggest shocks in recent years and beat England. The same firm offer the draw at 20/1 (21.00).
Realistically there is little profit to be made backing an outright result with more value on offer elsewhere.
Looking at the goal scoring market, Wayne Rooney, who has three goals in his last two England qualifying matches, is 4/5 (1.80) to score two or more. The Manchester United striker scored two in the corresponding fixture at Wembley back in October and is likely to play a big part in this match.
Despite England’s defensive injury list growing, San Marino themselves have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring two goals in their last 25 games, which suggests Hodgson’s men should keep a clean sheet. Looking at the correct score market, it’s easy to get carried away with eight or nine nil, with Paddy Power offering odds of 11/1 (12.00) and 20/1 (21.00) respectively.
The score line that seems to offer the most value is 5-0 at 9/2 (5.50) and would be certainly be worth backing with a smaller stake.
 |
BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
Wayne Rooney to score two or more at 4/5 (1.80) with Paddy Power |
England to win 5-0 at 9/2 (5.50) with Paddy Power |
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