The absence of Frank Lampard may be a blessing in disguise for England as they entertain Bulgaria in the opening fixture of Euro 2012 Qualifying.
Steven Gerrard will be expected to put in a sparkling performance without his Chelsea counterpart and if he does so there’s little doubt England will pick up all three points. Whether it’s for club or country, when Gerrard plays his team plays and a lot rests on his shoulders tonight at Wembley and he will be expected to venture forward as he does with Liverpool.
Despite failing to impress at the World Cup Finals, they managed to do ok during qualifying and best price on an England victory is 1/3 with Paddy Power.
Should Gerrard be given a more advanced role, you would be more inclined to back him to score first rather than Wayne Rooney considering his recent International form. The Liverpool midfielder is 6/1 with Skybet to open the scoring with Rooney best priced at 3/1 with Bet365. He is likely to be partnered with Jermain Defoe up front and the Spurs striker is 5/1 with Bet365 to open the scoring. Theo Walcott is certainly one to watch at Wembley given his recent goalscoring form for Arsenal and I may have a dabble on him scoring first myself at 7/1 with Bet365.
John Terry also misses this match and Fabio Capello looks like he is going with a centre pairing of Matthew Upson and Phil Jagielka, both should be experienced enough to handle anything Bulgaria can throw at them.
Of course, Dimitar Berbatov no longer plays for his country so the main threat from the visitors will come from ex-Manchester City forward Valeri Bojinov, 14/1 with Bet365 to open the scoring.
If you are looking to oppose England, or rather Capello, then the draw is best priced at 4/1 with 888Sport. If you expect Bulgaria to pick up all three points then 12/1 is the best price from Betfred.
Likely England Team:
Hart, G Johnson, A Cole, Jagielka, Upson, Gerrard, Walcott, Barry, Milner, Rooney, Defoe
Recommended Bets:
England HT/FT @ 7/8 with Bwin
Theo Walcott to score first @ 7/1 with Bet365
Match Live on ITV1 at 8pm
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