England Can Win Low-Scoring Match
Italy have won the World Cup four times and played in the last 15 tournaments but have not qualified for this year’s finals in Russia. They are one of the superpowers of world football and the country is passionate about the game. It’s bizarre that England’s two friendlies during the international break are against two nations who will be absent in Russia this summer. Whether the World Cup now goes ahead is debatable but ENGLAND can continues to prepare by beating Italy at Wembley tonight and the best odds on that outcome are 6/5.
In the early days of spread betting there was an opportunity to make money betting on low card counts. A yellow card is worth 10 points and a red card is worth 25. Total card counts were often pitched too high and sellers made hay while the sun shone. That loophole has now been closed to such an extent that buying bookings is now the sensible option but that is dependent on the referee. Some refs are more prone to show cards for ill-discipline but others prefer to manage situations by talking to players and not booking them. Tonight’s ref has his foot in both camps.
The card count looks about right for this match so going low on goals is the better bet. Italy have not scored more than one goal in their last seven matches and England are not prolific. England’s back three system is being honed for the World Cup and Italy might not have much fire in their belly. The conclusion is for a low scoring match which means UNDER 2.5 goals is the standout bet at 4/7 with Betfair.
The racing today is over jumps at Hereford and on the All-Weather at Southwell and Newcastle. It’s an ordinary fare ahead of All-Weather racing’s finals day at Lingfield on Good Friday. That used to be a blank day but the Lingfield fixture will attract a big family crowd on a non-working day. The racing will be competitive as is the handicap hurdle at Hereford (4.15) which offers the biggest prize of the meeting. BRAVENTARA has the rating and form to prevail at 11/4 with Ladbrokes.
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