Tag Archives: clash

Terrors set for Caley clash

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Monday night sees Dundee United host Highland outfit Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tannadice Park looking to continue their fine form in the Scottish Premier League (Dundee United 8/11, draw 11/4, Inverness 7/2).

The Terrors have not tasted defeat in the league in their last five outings, as they have managed to climb the table into 6th spot, with the club closing in on St Johnstone in fourth.

United’s fine displays in recent weeks have not gone unnoticed, as winger Gary MacKay-Steven was awarded the Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month for February. The 21-year-old has impressed many at Tannadice since his move from Airdrie United and the Scotland under-21 star has been a key figure in helping Dundee on their recent unbeaten run.

MacKay-Steven will be a potent attacking threat on Monday night and the Inverness defense will have to be wary of the danger he poses down the flanks.

United boss Peter Houston will be delighted with the winger’s input, as the club secured 10 points from a possible 12 last month. The manager has seen his side score six goals in their last two outings, with victories over Kilmarnock and Hearts coming with relative ease.

Striker Jon Daly remains the SPL’s second-highest goalscorer behind Celtic’s goal machine Gary Hooper, having bagged 14 goals in the top flight north of the border. The skipper has really led from the front this season and could be a decent bet for first goalscorer on Monday night (Daly 7/2 first goalscorer).

Dundee have also been impressive with their performances at the back, as they only conceded one goal in February having scored 11 at the other end. It looks like Inverness will have their work cut out for them when they make the trip from the gateway to the Highlands to central Lowlands having gone four games without a win.

Manager Terry Butcher saw his side thumped by an out-of-form Rangers side 4-1 in their last game at the Caledonian Stadium last weekend. Caley will be starting to look over their shoulder at the teams below them, with just Hibernian and Dunfermline propping up the table.

Butcher slammed his side’s performance against the defending SPL champions in their last outing and will be demanding much more for Monday’s clash with United.

Goals have been hard to come by for Inverness, as they have failed to score more than one goal in an SPL game since Christmas Eve. Andrew Shinnie and Gregory Tade (9/1 first goalscorer) both have eight goals to their name this season and Butcher will be looking to the duo for inspiration at Tannadice.

Eight points stand between Inverness and the bottom of the table but Caley do have three games in hand over Dunfermline. ICT will be desperate to make those extra games count but they might have to wait a little longer for a win, as Dundee are full of confidence at the moment and should have enough to secure the home win.

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Whites set for emotional clash

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It’s set to be an emotionally-charged day at Elland Road on Saturday as Leeds United get ready to take on rivals Millwall in another exciting weekend of Championship football (Leeds Utd Evs, draw 12/5, Millwall 11/4 in the Match Betting).

The clash in West Yorkshire will be the first home game for the Whites since the sad passing of former player Gary Speed.

Tributes have been flooding in for the star who helped Leeds win the First Division title in 1992 and there will be plenty more for the midfielder on Saturday.

The Whites head into the game on the back of a 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in midweek and there is a big question regarding what formation manager Simon Grayson will go for.

With Jonny Howson being given a more attacking role against Forest in a 4-5-1 formation, there have been calls for Grayson to continue with Luciano Becchio up front and have the likes of Robert Snodgrass and Howson in support.

Leeds were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against Barnsley in their last home outing and Millwall will be looking to cause a similar upset on Saturday.

The Lions have not been able to continue their decent form from last season and the London outfit sit in 17th place in the Championship table.

Millwall have been a bogey team for Leeds in the past, having won four of their last five regular league games against the Yorkshire outfit.

However, backed by a packed out Elland Road and with plenty of confidence from that win over Forest, Leeds should come away with the three points.

In another standout fixture on Saturday, Hull City host Leicester City at the KC Stadium in what will be a return to Humberside for Nigel Pearson (Match Betting – Hull 13/8, draw 23/10, Leicester 13/8).

The Foxes boss returned to the East Midlands after making a decent start to the season with the Tigers, who currently sit just two points off the play-off places.

Leicester have looked strong since Pearson’s comeback and go into this one on the back of a 2-0 victory over Blackpool with an impressive performance.

As for Hull they will be looking to avoid a three-game losing run, following defeats to Southampton and Burnley.

Leicester have seemed to have turned a corner under Pearson and considering the strength of their squad, they should edge this clash.

West Ham are unbeaten in their last seven games and it’s up to Burnley to put an end to their run at Upton Park on Saturday (West Ham 4/7, draw 14/5, Burnley 5/1 in the Match Betting).

Under manager Sam Allardyce, the Hammers are starting to look a formidable force with the likes of Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole in fine form.

Burnley look like they have been able to get their act together in recent weeks with decent wins over Ipswich and Hull, scoring seven goals in the process.

However, Upton Park is a tough place for any side in the Championship to get a result and, despite their recent improvement, Burnley will be lucky if they can get a point in the capital.

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McCoist ready for Old Firm clash

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ally mccoistAlly McCoist may be preparing for his first-ever Old Firm game as manager on Sunday, but he is no stranger to the feisty Glasgow encounter (Rangers 6/4 draw 9/4 Celtic 9/5).

The 48-year-old hit 273 goals in 581 appearances during a 15-year-long playing career at Ibrox, before enjoying two spells as assistant to manager Walter Smith.

Smith retired over the summer allowing McCoist to make step-up into his first managerial role. The former Scotland international has made a solid start to life in the Ibrox hotseat, wining five and drawing one of their opening six league games to sit a point clear of Celtic at the top.

However, he now faces his biggest test to date when his side play host to their bitter local rivals on Sunday lunchtime.

The Old Firm games are often pivotal in deciding who wins the SPL title, given the last side to win the league outside of the Glasgow duo was Aberdeen in 1985.

McCoist is all too aware of the size of Sunday’s encounter, especially on a personal level now he is manager.

“I was very lucky as a player against Celtic and hopefully I’ve kept some of that luck,” said McCoist. “The pressure as assistant manager was very intense and I realise the responsibility is certainly greater.

“I understand the enormity of the occasion, having played in so many and being an assistant in so many. I’m not sure it will feel any different because the desire to win and to do well will be absolutely massive.”

The Gers did suffer early season disappointment in Europe, losing at first to Malmo in Champions League qualifying and then to NK Maribor in the Europa League.

However, their early European exit does mean they have had a week to prepare for Sunday’s game, a luxury not afforded to Celtic, who lost 2-0 away at Atletico Madrid in the Europa League Thursday night (Rangers 6/1 to win 1-0).

Their boss Neil Lennon believes that could work in their favour, affording them an early chance to make amends for that defeat in Spain.

“Going from the European game into the Old Firm game is probably the best thing that can happen,” said the 40-year-old.

“Sometimes you can come back from a European game and there is a flatness going about your SPL duties but with a game of this magnitude, it can be easy to motivate the players.”

Lennon had the upper hand in Old Firm clashes last season, winning three, drawing two and losing two of the seven matches.

After one of those games – a Scottish League Cup clash in March – Lennon and McCoist had an infamous fight on the touchline.

The duo promptly apologised after the game, aware of the influence their behaviour may have on the terraces, but their presence in each dugout merely adds to what is already a passionate affair.

Value bets:

Nikica Jelavic to score first 5/1
1-1 draw 11/2.

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Whites v Reds in promotion clash

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We are really getting into the business end of the season in the Championship, with points vital for teams at both ends of the table.

Two clubs that are desperate to get back to the Premier League are Leeds United and Nottingham Forest and the two sides meet in the early kick-off at Elland Road on Saturday (Leeds 6/5, draw 11/5, Forest 11/5).

The Whites managed to pick up a point at the City Ground in just their second game of the campaign after winning automatic promotion from League One last season. Leeds were lucky to draw against Forest who dominated much of the game.

However, the West Yorkshire side have surprised many teams in their first season back in the Championship and find themselves in fifth place in the table, just above Forest.

Tottenham Hotspur loan man Jake Livermore could make his first appearance for the Whites as manager Simon Grayson has looked to bolster his option in the middle of the park, with Aston Villa’s Barry Bannan also in on a loan deal.

Forest have failed to win in their last seven outings in the Championship and should be battling with QPR and Norwich for the automatic places. Now Bill Davies‘ side are struggling to keep their place in the playoffs with Reading and Burnley hot on their heels.

Saturday’s game at Elland Road will be a tight contest with both teams desperate to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Leeds have not been beaten at home since October and should just edge this one in front of a packed Elland Road.

Promotion chasing Norwich City take on Scunthorpe United at Carrow Road, as the Canaries look to strengthen their hold on second place in the Championship (Norwich 1/5, draw 7/2, Scunthorpe 8/1).

Norwich continue to be very difficult to beat as they have not tasted defeat in their last eight games.

The Irons on the other hand are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone with five points between themselves and safety.

Scunthorpe have appointed Alan Knill as their new boss ahead of the away trip to Norwich and he will have to settle in fast to his new club as they are desperate for points. The manager factor may give the United players a boost but it’s hard to see them getting anything out of the game at Carrow Road.

Preston are also fighting for their lives as they sit rock bottom of the Championship and they will have to raise their game when they take on Swansea at Deepdale on Saturday (Preston 13/5, draw 23/10, Swansea Evs).

North End currently sit eight points off safety with a game in hand and manager Phil Brown is running out of time if he wants his side to avoid the drop.

Swansea have been outstanding this season and they will be full of confidence after their 3-2 victory over Forest in their last outing. The Welsh club have a great opportunity to earn promotion to the Premier League this season and it’s unlikely that Preston will get in their way.

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Blades face do-or-die clash

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There is a full fixture list in the Championship on Saturday and several big games affect both ends of the table. The pressure to avoid the drop will be on both teams at Bramall Lane, as two former Premier League clubs go head-to-head.

Sheffield United v Derby (3pm)

This is a huge game in the battle for survival and a game the Blades really must win. United have not won in their last 12 games and the arrival of Micky Adams has done little to revive their flagging fortunes.

Having thrown away a 2-0 lead at Scunthorpe in midweek, they are given a chance to redeem themselves against the Rams. Derby have not won in their last nine games and a lack of firepower has seen them slip into the relegation tussle.

Match Bet: Sheffield United to win @ 13/10

Swansea v Leeds (12.45pm)

Second play sixth at the Liberty Stadium and this is a tough game to call, with two sides who have surprised many pundits this season. The Swans have lost just one of their last seven league games, although their record against fellow promotion hopefuls is not great – with recent defeats to Cardiff and QPR.

Leeds have only lost three of their 16 away league games to date and look a better side away from Elland Road, although their usually backline have conceded five goals in their last two games.

Match Bet: Both teams to score @ 4/5

Hull v Cardiff (3pm)

The Tigers are arguably the form team in the division, with Nigel Pearson’s men unbeaten in their last nine league games. They have only conceded eight goals at home – second best record in the league – and will be able to play on-loan Cardiff defender Anthony Gerrard against his parent club.

Cardiff are unpredictable at the moment, capable of beating anyone but equally capable of losing games they should win. The Bluebirds have lost just twice away from home but have only won once outside the Welsh capital (at Swansea) since mid-November.

Match Bet: Draw HT / Hull FT @ 9/2

Middlesbrough v QPR (3pm)

Boro are still threatened by relegation despite picking up in recent weeks and will offer QPR a stern test at the back. Tony Mowbray’s men have scored 13 goals in their last six games, including six in their last two, but have also been leaking them at the other end.

The Rs are far from their best at the moment, but if they continue to pick up points on their travels and win their home games, should have enough to go up automatically.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Millwall v Nottingham Forest (3pm)

Lions fans are still dreaming of a place in the Premier League, with Kenny Jackett’s men eight points outside the play-off zone. Their recent inconsistent form though looks likely to cost them with just one win in their last five games.

Forest have also been Jekyll  and Hyde in recent weeks, with good results against Cardiff and QPR sitting alongside slip-ups against strugglers Scunthorpe and Preston.

Match Bet: Draw @ 11/5

Barnsley v Norwich (3pm)

The Tykes spoilt the party for Leeds in midweek and could do likewise against a Norwich team that has drawn its last two games. Barnsley have lost just three times at Oakwell, with their last home defeat coming back on Boxing Day.

The Canaries look to be hitting a blip and their home draw with Doncaster on Tuesday must have dented confidence. Although their away form has been good, the loss of injured defender Leon Barnett is a big blow.

Match Bet: Barnsley to win @ 19/10

Crystal Palace v Reading (3pm)

Both of these teams still have much to play for, with Palace just three points outside the drop zone and the Royals seven points from the play-offs.

Palace have gone eight games at home without conceding a goal and have not been beaten at Selhurst Park since October. Reading are unbeaten in three matches but the goals look to have dried up.

Match Bet: Palace to win 1-0 @ 15/2

Preston v Burnley (3pm)

North End are showing signs of recovery, but it may come too late in their battle for survival. Phil Brown’s men are still bottom despite draws against Watford, QPR and Nottingham Forest in their last three games.

Burnley are not out of the play-off picture and are on a three-game unbeaten run, but will find it hard to pick up a much-needed three points in this Lancashire derby.

Match Bet: 1-1 draw @ 11/2

Leicester v Coventry (3pm)

The Foxes’ defeat at Cardiff in midweek might prove costly, but they should get back to winning ways in this Midlands derby.

Sven’s men have only lost twice at home this season, while out-of-form Coventry have not won on their travels since November.

Match Bet: Leicester HT / Leicester FT @ 6/5

Bristol City v Scunthorpe (3pm)

The Robins look to have got themselves out of trouble at the bottom end of the table, but will face a resurgent Scunny team who have picked up seven points from their last three games.

The Iron’s away form is generally better than their home form and they will fancy their chances of picking up something from Ashton Gate.

Match Bet: Draw @ 12/5

Ipswich v Portsmouth (3pm)

Can only see this match going one way – a home win. Paul Jewell has turned around the Tractor Boys’ fortunes since taking charge at Portman Road and they should be too strong for a Pompey squad still struggling for numbers.

Match Bet: Ipswich to win @ 20/23

Doncaster v Watford (3pm)

Injury-ravaged Rovers shocked everyone with a 1-1 draw at Norwich in midweek and back on their home patch may now build on that. Although it is too late for the play-offs, Donny could take the points against a Watford team that has not won since January 15.

Match Bet: Doncaster to win @ 6/4

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Celtic ready for Old Firm clash

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Bet on the SPLCeltic (4/5 to win the SPL) boss Neil Lennon believes his team are in ‘prime condition’ to take on their city rivals Rangers on Sunday.

The Glasgow giants meet at Parkhead in the biggest game of the SPL season so far as both sides have won all of their first eight matches of the campaign.

Rangers are the current leaders in the league thanks to having a better goal difference than the Hoops as both sides have set up what looks to be another two-horse-race for the SPL title.

However, Lennon has insisted that his side has what it takes to beat Gers in the first Old Firm clash of the season.

He said: “They are playing some good stuff and they were excellent in the 2-1 win against Dundee United  last week.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from them in terms of a team performance and an attacking performance.

“So the tails are up, there is a wee bit of excitement about this game and the players are looking forward to it,” he added.

The Old Firm games always deliver exciting football but the fixtures between the two Scottish giants could take on added importance with both sides winning all their league games so far.

Rangers (10/11 to win the SPL) boss Walter Smith is taking part in his last season in management and the 62-year-old has admitted that he won’t miss the Old Firm games.

He said: “I must admit it’s a kind of nervy day.

“I think the way both teams have started the season, both seem to be playing confidently and will be looking forward to Sunday’s game.

“Both teams have every right to be confident. Maybe because of the fact we’ve both won eight games, this year’s four Old Firm games will take on an added importance,” he added.

Rangers will be looking to continue their battling form which has seen them come from behind in their last three SPL fixtures.

Gers also managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Valencia in midweek in the Champions League which keeps the Glasgow side in the hunt for a final 16 spot in the tournament.

Smith’s side will be looking to spoil their rivals’ winning record on Sunday as they hope to continue their good run of results domestically and in Europe.

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Ancelotti back for Arsenal clash

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected back in England for the Premier League home clash with Arsenal on Sunday following the death of his father (Blues 8/11 to win the game).

Ancelotti Snr passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 87 and his funeral will take place on Saturday in Italy which means his son will miss the build up to the weekend.

But the former AC Milan coach is set to be back in London when the Gunners make the short trip to Stamford Bridge.

A Chelsea statement read: “Carlo Ancelotti’s father Giuseppe passed away in Italy last night aged 87 with his son at his side.

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Carlo and his family. They are all in our thoughts at this time.

“The funeral will take place in Italy on Saturday. Carlo will return to London for Sunday’s match versus Arsenal.”

Blues striker Didier Drogba has already described Sunday’s game as one the Blues cannot afford to lose following last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City (Drogba 4/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

He told Sky Sports: “When I was playing in France, Arsenal was an example for us because there were all these French players who used to play in the French league and went abroad to play for Arsenal with a French manager.

“So to play against them for me means a lot.”

Drogba added: “I don’t think we can afford to lose a second game, especially against Arsenal

“People have to know, and we know, that we’re going to lose some games this season.

“But again, it’s always good to win, it’s always better to win.”

Arsenal also lost last weekend – 3-2 at home to promoted West Brom – but like the Blues they also bounced back in midweek in the Champions League (Gunners 10/1 – Champions League Outright).

Gunners understudy Lukasz Fabianski looks likely to keep his place in goal with Manuel Almunia struggling with an elbow problem.

The Pole was impressive against Partizan Belgrade during Tuesday night’s 3-1 win but will know he needs to back that display up if called on at the Bridge.

The 25-year-old said: “Overall, I am pleased with my performance.

“I am not talking about just saves, but reading the game, coming for crosses or playing with my feet.

“Every aspect of goalkeeping is important for me, so I am pleased with my performance in general.”

Fabianski added: “I am ready to play against Chelsea. I was always ready, so we will see.

“I was never really bothered by all the things said. I was always trying to focus on my job and my work.

“That is what I was always doing and that why I am grounded.”

With or without Fabianski, Arsenal are 18/5 for the away win.

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Friendship and rivalry ahead of Old Trafford clash

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There is arguably no bigger rivalry in English football than that between Manchester United and Liverpool (United 8/11, draw 5/2, Liverpool 4/1).

The two goliaths go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Paul Scholes expressing his belief that the animosity between the two clubs will never die. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has extended the hand of friendship to the Merseyside club following Rafael Benitez’s departure from Anfield.

Scholes (11/1 for first goalscorer) has admitted the intense hatred between fans of the two clubs will ensure that the intensity of this fixture will always be preserved. Even when fortunes of the two sides were contrasting, that rivalry was still present.

Liverpool’s last title came 21 seasons ago whilst United had a barren spell which lasted 26 years when Liverpool were at their peak. However, despite these circumstances, the animosity endured and Scholes does not see this changing.

“You can’t get away from the fact that both teams don’t really like each other,” said the United midfielder ahead of the clash.

“We are both desperate to win and I don’t think that will ever change.”

The United boss has already described this game as ‘the’ Premier League fixture but has offered the hand of friendship to opposite number Roy Hodgson.

Generally, the relationship between the United and Liverpool managers has been cordial but this changed under Benitez, who became increasingly obsessed with Ferguson. The Spaniard claimed that the United boss was treated with kid gloves and that he escaped censure from the authorities.

Ferguson has generally not risen to the bait, the only significant war of words coming over a ‘game over’ signal during a clash against Blackburn. Speaking about his rivalry with Benitez,
Ferguson stressed: “I have never been personal. You have to examine him, not me.

“I have always enjoyed a good relationship with Liverpool managers. Both clubs have always addressed the situation properly after the games.

“That changed under the last regime. It is not a big issue for me.”

Building a more cordial relationship with Liverpool will be easier now that Roy Hodgson has assumed the hot-seat at Anfield. The two managers were friendly before the move and Ferguson has expressed his deep admiration for Hodgson due to his managerial record.

Last season, he guided former club Fulham to the Europa League final, a feat that Ferguson has described as ‘absolutely extraordinary’. He also cited his ‘wealth of experience’ in Switzerland, Finland and Italy as worthy of praise.

Ferguson still believes that the clash between United and Liverpool is the biggest of the season, even though Liverpool have rarely been title contenders in recent years. Despite this, the Merseyside outfit have inflicted some memorable defeats on the Red Devils, United’s win in March breaking a three-match losing streak against Liverpool.

United go into this match on the back of two disappointing results – a 3-3 draw against Everton in the Premier League last Saturday and a 0-0 Champions League draw against Rangers. United are already four points behind table-toppers Chelsea in the Premier League title race and will be hoping for three points from their fierce rivals on Sunday.

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Golden Gonzalo may miss Greece clash

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Gonzalo Higuain (15/8 World Cup 2010 Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot)) could be rested from Argentina’s last Group B game against Greece as Diego Maradona ponders changes after his team secured qualification.

The Real Madrid hitman leads the race for the Golden Boot after hitting a hat-trick against South Korea on Thursday, but he could be confined to bench duty Tuesday.

Argentina’s coach Maradona, who famously tinkered with his line-ups in qualifying to the extent that he used 78 different players, may now opt to give Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito a chance with Higuain and Carlos Tevez set to rest.

Lionel Messi, yet to score in the tournament, is another who could be taken out of the starting line-up for a match against the fired-up Greeks (5/1 to win in 90 Minutes, Argentina 4/7), who have the chance to reach the second phase after grabbing a 2-1 win over Nigeria.

After the South Korea match, Maradona spoke of his happiness at the strength of his 23-man squad, insisting that they were all great footballers.

“I have 23 beasts in this squad, I have 23 starters,” he said.

Spain’s David Villa is Totesport’s second favourite in the market at 11/1 alongside Diego Forlan, who is on two goals after his brace against South Africa.

Spain, who drew a blank against Switzerland in their opening game 1-0 defeat, take on Honduras next and will be keen to turn their overwhelming dominance of possession into goals against Reinaldo Rueda’s side.

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Algeria fired up for England clash

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Algeria are rated at 20/1 to qualify from Group A and have gained added motivation for Friday night’s crunch clash from Wayne Rooney, who has confidently predicted that England will not need to be at their best to take the three points.

The Three Lions opened up with an unconvincing performance against USA, which ended 1-1 after Rob Green’s howler allowed Clint Dempsey’s weak effort to cancel out Steven Gerrard’s early strike.

Algeria were the better side in their first game against Slovenia on Sunday but lost 1-0 after a goalkeeping error of their own from Fawzi Chaouchi, which came after the sending-off of striker Abdelkader Ghezzal, who will of course be suspended for tomorrow’s game.

Following England’s performance, Rooney had claimed that he and his team-mates will pick up their first win on Friday, which is 1/4 in the match betting, even if they are not at their best again.

However, Algeria (12/1 to win, 9/2 the draw) appear to have been angered by the comments and believe that, despite the fact they currently prop up the table, all the pressure going into the match is on the favourites.

“Rooney can say what he wants,” said Madjid Bougherra. “It’s his problem. We will play to win this game. We want to qualify as well.

“Algeria always react when we are under pressure. You saw that in the play-off against Egypt.”

The Desert Foxes are currently ranked 22 places below England in the world rankings but upset Egypt in a play-off in October to make it to the finals, although they went on to lose to their arch rivals in the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.

England (8/1 in the outright market) have come under-fire from all quarters after their opening draw and Algeria coach Rabah Saadane feels that it is the Premier League stars who will be feeling the heat in Cape Town.

“England have their backs to the wall,” Saadane said. “We have nothing to lose and have everything to win.”

It is a thought echoed by midfielder Ryad Boudebouz, who added: “England are the team under pressure. They are the ones who claimed that they came here to win the World Cup.”

USA have the chance to go top of the group earlier in the day when they take on Slovenia, who could of course book a place in the knockout stages with a victory of their own, before the final group games take place next Wednesday.

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