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Home sides can win ugly in Cup

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Everton and Tottenham can benefit from home advantage in two closely-fought FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday – but don’t expect either match to be high in the scoring or entertainment stakes.

David Moyes‘ side are licking their wounds after a midweek Merseyide derby mauling while Harry Redknapp’s Spurs are in their worst run of results since August – and consequently both will need to win ugly this weekend.

Everton (10/11 in Match Betting) and Sunderland (10/3, Draw 12/5), who meet at Goodison Park (12.45pm), appear to have been targeting this competition since just after Christmas when a glance at the Premier League table would have told you that a top four finish was not on for either club.

Before Tuesday’s derby defeat to Liverpool, Everton were enjoying a ten-match unbeaten run in all competitions but Moyes’ men can still boast a five-game winning streak at their famous old ground.

Martin O’Neill brings his well-rested Sunderland side into the game on the back of a home win over Liverpool – providing a direct form line between the teams.

But he is without key players again with suspended duo Lee Cattermole and Stephane Sessegnon still banned and Wes Brown and Titus Bramble on the long-term casualty list.

Nicklas Bendtner has been declared fit after he scored the only goal of the game against Liverpool last weekend. The dangerous Dane has shaken off a knee injury and can be backed at 13/2 to open the scoring and 7/4 anytime.

Everton boss Moyes cannot field injured Darron Gibson or Steven Pienaar, on loan from Spurs, but can still freshen up his side after their disappointing loss across Stanley Park on Tuesday.

He made six changes for the midweek defeat at Anfield and should recall Tim Cahill (7/1 first scorer, 15/8 anytime) and Nikica Jelavic (11/2 first scorer, 3/2 anytime) to the starting formation.

History is against a Sunderland victory with Everton unbeaten in 15 against the Black Cats, having won 11 and drawn four in the Premier League and FA Cup.

The Boxing Day fixture at the Stadium Of Light earlier this season did finish as a 1-1 draw and five of the last six meetings have been under 2.5 on the goals (4/6 in Over/Under), featuring exactly two goals on each occasion (10/11 2-3 in Total Goals).

This one could easily finish 1-0 to Everton, however, as three of Everton’s last seven home wins have done – with Jelavic the most likely marksman (25/1 in Scorecast).

Tottenham are Totesport’s 5/2 joint favourites to be celebrating at Wembley on May 5 and they should have enough to see off relegation-threatened Bolton at White Hart Lane (5.30pm).

Spurs (2/7 in Match Betting) have progressed through four of their previous six FA Cup ties against Bolton (10/1, Draw 9/2), including their most recent clash in 2010, and can bounce back from their three straight Premier League defeats in front of their expectant fans.

Gareth Bale could be the key player – the Welshman has tormented Bolton in the past and could be value in the First (5/1) and Last Goalscorer (5/1) market to either break the deadlock or seal the tie.

Jermain Defoe has scored three goals in four FA Cup outings this season and will be popular in the Match Goalscorer (8/11 Anytime) markets too if he starts.

But don’t expect this last-eight clash to be as one-sided as the match odds suggest with Bolton capable of at least holding out into the second half (7/2 Draw/Tottenham in HT/FT).

The Trotters kept Chelsea out until after half-time on their recent trip to Stamford Bridge and were 0-0 at Norwich until the Canaries grabbed their first of two in the 70th minute.

Last year’s beaten semi-finalists will be keen to get back to Wembley, despite the obvious notion that Premier League survival is way above Cup glory on Owen Coyle’s list of priorities.

Bolton have a proud history in the competition and have only lost one of their eight FA Cup sixth-round games away from home (excluding replays), winning four and drawing three.

But Wanderers are unlikely to trouble the Spurs defence too much and Spurs to keep a clean sheet (4/5) rates slightly better than the odds on a Tottenham win to nil (20/21), just in case the match finishes 0-0.

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Home advantage to aid Zaragoza

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Bet on La LigaAfter yet another fascinating weekend of La Liga action, round 23 finishes on Monday with an intriguing match between bottom-of-the-table Real Zaragoza and struggling Real Betis. Both sides know that three points could go a long way to sealing their Primera future (Zaragoza 8/5, draw 9/4, Betis 13/8).

The season so far has been a disaster both on and off the field for Zaragoza. It appears their financial woes are now being reflected on the pitch and with only 15 points to their name, they look almost certain to be relegated.

However, there is hope and in recent games they have looked an altogether stronger unit. Their defending has been much improved, most notably in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Espanyol. This is mainly down to new coach Manolo Jimenez, who we know from his time at Sevilla likes to play cautious, counter-attacking football. His influence could keep the Blanquillos in the division and their solid formation is sure to pose Betis a number of problems.

However, you also need to score goals and in former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga, they certainly have a player who can find the net. The Portuguese international was the Aragon club’s major signing of the summer but he is yet to find consistency for his new side and has only netted five times in 20 matches. Despite this though, he is sure to be sniffing around the box at La Romareda so don’t be surprised if he scores.

Betis (13/2 to win 1-0) have been one of the surprise packages of the season following their promotion from the second division last term. However, having started the campaign superbly, their form has dipped. They will have some confidence after winning last week at home to Bilbao but it’s at home where they garner most of their points and they often struggle to find any form on the road.

Their key man is often striker Roque Santa Cruz who is currently on-loan from Premier League leaders Manchester City (4/7 Premier League outright). The Paraguayan is seen as one of the most creative players in the game but is often found lacking when it comes to scoring goals. However, with his talent, he’ll relish playing against Zaragoza’s shaky back four so look out for him to have a big say on the outcome of the match.

However, home advantage could play a big part and following their victory last week, Manolo Jimenez’s side will be confident of taking the three points. It should be close though so expect a tight and cagey game (Zaragoza 17/2 to win 2-1).

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Nolan to lead Hammers home

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After another topsy turvy weekend in the Championship, the teams are back in action on Monday and Sam Allardyce’s West Ham side will be looking to put their shaky recent performances behind them as they face a struggling Coventry (West Ham 4/9, draw 10/3, Coventry 6/1).

After an inconsistent start to the season, the Hammers looked as if they could dominate the division but have lost three of their last five games and, with a number of key players out injured, are starting to struggle.

This includes Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Derby but boss Allardyce has been handed a major boost with Jack Collison, George McCartney, Julien Faubert and captain Kevin Nolan all returning from suspension.

Of this quartet the midfield combination of Nolan and Collison could be vital if the East London side are going to get back on track. Nolan is the true talisman of the team and has a habit of scoring important goals (Nolan 11/8 to score at anytime).

Collison on the other hand is arguably West Ham’s most creative influence and is sorely missed when absent. Many of the club’s supporters believe they could have stayed in the Premier League last season if he hadn’t got injured early in the campaign.

The pair are more than likely to go straight back into the side and look out for them to make a major impact at Upton Park.

Coventry have been the league’s strugglers this season and are certainly a club in trouble both on and off the pitch. They have spent most of the season propping up the table but have had a resurgence of late, winning their last two games against Brighton and Bristol City, and will be hoping to continue their fine run when they face their inconsistent opponents.

Their key man is certainly striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, who has been a rare shining light in their poor season. The 22-year-old was tipped for greatness when he moved to Everton as a teenager but never made his mark at Goodison and often found himself farmed out on loan.

However, he now appears to have found his feet and has scored a number of vital goals this season. His form has attracted the interest of a number of the division’s top sides and he has been tipped for a possible move in the recently-opened transfer window. Despite the speculation, he will be looking to make an impact in the match and look out for him to get on the scoresheet (Jutkiewicz 9/4 to score at anytime).

Despite Jutkiewicz’s fine form, its hard to look past the Hammers, especially at home. With their star names returning they will have added impetus going forward and will be looking to get their season back on track with a comfortable victory (West Ham 5/1 to win 2-0).

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Swans can bounce back at home

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Six Premier League teams enjoyed a rare Boxing Day off, but they will return to action on Tuesday with three fixtures to look forward to. North London top-four hopefuls Arsenal and Tottenham are among those looking to close the gap at the top, while all-three promoted teams will be seeking a crucial three points in the battle to avoid the drop.

Swansea v QPR (5pm)

Both teams lost last week and will be keen to collect a late Christmas present, with the duo hovering dangerously above the drop zone. Swansea’s home record could be crucial though, as Brandon Rodgers men look to increase the gap between themselves and the R’s.

Both of these sides were playing Championship football last season and QPR had the better of things, claiming a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium before sealing a 4-0 success at Loftus Road. But the Swans have the better form at present and have lost just one of their eight home games to date.

QPR have been better on the road than at home, but Swansea’s impressive defensive record – just two goals conceded at home - could see them edge this affair.

Suggested Bet: Swansea to win @ Evens 

Arsenal v Wolves (3pm)

The Gunners showed some steel when bouncing back from defeat to Manchester City to beat Aston Villa last time out, although it was far from a vintage display. But six wins, one draw and just one defeat at the Emirates tells it’s own story and it looks like more woe on their travels for Wolves.

Mick McCarthy’s men have won just once on their travels this term and recent displays on the road have been poor. Wolves have conceded two goals or more in their last six away games, with just six goals scored in eight fixtures away from Molineux, and it could be more of the same on Tuesday.

Suggested Bet: Total Goals (3-5 Goals) @ 8/13

Norwich v Tottenham (7.30pm)

Both these teams picked up draws in their last fixtures and both are in fine fettle going into this clash at Carrow Road. The Canaries find themselves in the top half, but the attacking threat that Spurs offer could be too much for Paul Lambert’s men.

Norwich has scored plenty at home (16) but they have also conceded regularly (12) and Harry Redknapp’s men have the speed to cause a paceless Canaries backline major problems, especially with Kyle Naughton out through suspension.

Tottenham, who have only lost one of their last 14 league matches, could have Rafael van der Vaart back, after suffering a knock against Chelsea, while Jermaine Defoe will have a late fitness test.

Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Tottenham FT - 10/3

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Navas to guide Sevilla home

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After another spectacular weekend of La Liga action, Monday sees the conclusion of week 14 with a mouth-watering tie as in-form Getafe travel to Andalucía to take on Sevilla (Sevilla 8/13, Draw 11/4, Getafe 9/2 Match Betting) at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Both teams have had up and down seasons so far but go into the game in decent form and will see the match as the perfect opportunity to continue their good runs.

Sevilla appear to be a team in transition and have had a difficult few years since the glory days of the last decade which saw them win consecutive UEFA Cups and become a regular fixture in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

This year they have been their typically inconsistent selves but currently sit sixth in the league and many are tipping them for possible European qualification.

Despite the difficulties of the last few years, they still have a number of top class players and pivotal to their cause on Monday will undoubtedly be winger Jesus Navas. The 26-year-old has long been seen as one of the continents premier widemen but has remained loyal to the ‘Sevillistas’ and is undoubtedly their star man.

Navas will be hoping to produce a big performance as he looks to secure his place in the Spain squad for next summer’s European Championships.

Getafe currently sit 13th in the league and will go into the match full of confidence after beating Barcelona last weekend. The ‘Azulones’ are one of the smallest clubs in the league and it’s a minor miracle how they continue to compete due to their lack of financial resources.

After struggling last term, many predicted they would once again struggle but have confounded their critics and look as if they could finish in a steady mid-table position.

Their lack of finances means they very rarely boast star names but one man in their side to look out for is certainly youngster Abdelaziz Barrada. In a team known for their work rate rather than their creativity, the attacking midfielder often stands out as he looks to unlock opposition defences and was a star of their recent win against Atletico Madrid. Despite being rather raw, he has the talent to unlock any defence on his day so lookout for him to be one of the stars of the game.

Despite Getafe’s good form, home advantage could play a major part and Sevilla should take the points. With Navas pulling the strings, they are a mighty prospect at home and will go into the game expecting a comfortable victory (Sevilla 11/1 to win 3-0).

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Home sweet home for Saints

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There is a full programme of fixtures in the Championship this weekend and looking at the top five games which will have an impact on both ends of the table, none come bigger than the St Mary’s showdown between Southampton and Middlesbrough.

Southampton v Middlesbrough (3pm)

We’ll start the preview on the south coast as top-of-the-table Southampton play host to a Middlesbrough side which sits in third spot and three points off the Saints while also boasting the best away record in the Championship to date.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins will hope Adam Lallana shakes off the injury which has ruled him out of the past four games as his side look to bounce back from the 2-0 Carling up exit at Crystal Palace by recording a club record 16th consecutive win on home soil.

However, Boro, who secured a first win in six league games against Derby last weekend, should have skipper Matthew Bates back from injury to bolster a defence which is the tightest in the division with only eight goals conceded to date.

Boro have never lost at St Mary’s but this weekend could see that run end in a close-fought encounter.

Prediction: Southampton Home 90 Minutes @ 10/11

Value Bet: Southampton To Win 2-1 Correct Score @ 7/1

West Ham v Leicester (3pm)

Sam Allardyce’s Hammers jumped above Middlesbrough into second spot on goal difference courtesy of Monday’s hard-fought 1-0 win against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

And they will be hoping to collect a fourth win in seven league games against a manager-less Foxes side which axed Sven-Goran Eriksson in the week following their dismal 3-0 home defeat to Millwall last Saturday – a second defeat in three outings.

Leicester have not won away from home since the opening day of the season at Coventry, while they have not picked up three points at Upton Park in 11 years, although it is seven seasons since the sides last met in the league.

Allardyce is still without a host of players including Henri Lansbury, Matt Taylor, James Tomkins, Carlton Cole, Guy Demel, Gary O’Neil and goalkeeper Robert Green, but it seems he has enough to grind out results.

But with Leicester still missing defender Matt Mills due to suspension, surely the Hammers will come out on top in this one.

Prediction: West Ham Home 90 Minutes @ 5/6

Value Bet: Nolan 1s Goal West Ham 2-0 Scorecast @ 28/1

Birmingham v Brighton (3pm)

An interesting fixture is in store at St Andrew’s where the two sides have seen their respective fortunes change drastically in recent weeks.

Chris Hughton has overcome a lacklustre start to the campaign to guide the Blues to six straight wins in all competitions to move to within a point of the play-off places with two games in hand.

Brighton, on the other hand, enjoyed a six-match unbeaten start, but have now failed to win in seven which has seen them slide from top spot to 13th in the table.

They will be without Gary Dicker who fractured his fibula during Monday’s home defeat to West Ham. It could be a close game, but with Birmingham on a hot run of form it would be a surprise if they did not come out on top in this clash.

Prediction: Birmingham Home 90 Minutes @ Evens

Value Bet: Brighton/ Birmingham HT/FT @ 25/1

Doncaster v Coventry (3pm)

Looking down the Championship table and while it is relatively early in the season, this is a game that could well be billed as a relegation six-pointer at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Dean Saunders’ arrival as new Rovers boss heralded the start of a mini-revival just before and after the international break as they picked up seven points from his first three matches to jump out of the relegation places.

However, three successive defeats since have plunged the South Yorkshiremen back into the drop zone and they will hope to get back to winning ways when fourth-bottom Coventry arrive in town.

Andy Thorn’s men, who are just a point clear of the bottom three, should be boosted by the return of Gary McSheffrey and Martin Cranie for the game.

However, they have only won one in their last seven games while they have scored just three away goals in six away games to match the same paltry figure Rovers have scored so far on home soil.

It has got a low-scoring draw written all over it.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 9/4

Value Bet: 0-0 Correct Score @ 15/2

Barnsley v Bristol City (3pm)

A game of huge importance at Oakwell as new Bristol City boss Derek McInnes takes charge of his first away match having spent a first full week in charge at Ashton Gate.

It will not be an easy match for the Robins against Keith Hill’s Tykes who are aiming to register their third straight win on home soil. However, with a five-point gap between City at the foot of the Championship and fourth-bottom Coventry, McInnes will not want it to widen anymore this weekend.

City are set to have Cole Skuse back from a head injury picked up in last weekend’s home defeat against Birmingham as they chase only their second win of the season. Barnsley sit five points clear of the drop zone after their recent good run at home, although they were beaten 5-3 at Cardiff last weekend.

Bobby Hassell faces a late fitness test while Danny Haynes and Matty Done are set to miss out yet again.

There are usually goals in games between these two sides – at least five in their previous four head-to-heads – and that could be the case again on Saturday.

It looks a home banker but the outcome could well depend on how well McInnes has got his ideas across to the Bristol City players over the past five days.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 12/5
Value Bet: 2-2 Draw Correct Score @ 14/1

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Tough night for home nations

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While Wales and Northern Ireland don’t have much to play for on Tuesday night there is still plenty on the line for Scotland as their hopes of Euro 2012 qualification go right to the wire. However, the Scots face perhaps the trickiest test of the three home nations as they have to go to Spain looking to get a result, while Wales head to Bulgaria and Northern Ireland visit Italy.

Spain v Scotland (7:45pm)

We better start with the game that matters first, the Scots needing to match or better the result the Czech Republic achieve against Lithuania to reach the play-offs.

Craig Levein’s side are in pole position for second spot after an unconvincing 1-0 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday night but will be up against it in Alicante.

The Spaniards might have already secured top spot in Group I and be planning to rest a number of star players but they are still the world and European champions, if Scotland fans needed reminding.

The chance for some of Vincente Del Bosque’s lesser known players to stake a claim for a regular starting berth could spell trouble for Scotland’s injury-ravaged squad.

Levein could well be without Kenny Miller for the clash due to a groin injury, while Barry Bannan, Craig Mackail-Smith and Darren Fletcher all face late fitness tests.

Heartbreak has normally been in store for the Scots in these must-win qualifying games and against Spain its tough to see anything other than a result which will leave them without a summer of international football to look forward.

Match Bet – Draw HT/Spain FT  @ 9/2

Bulgaria v Wales (7:05pm)

Having started their campaign so poorly who would have thought Wales would head into their last game with a chance of finishing a respectable third in Group G.

The Welsh lost their first four matches before mounting a revival under Gary Speed, albeit too little too late in terms of qualifying for Euro 2012.

Under Speed Wales have improved dramatically, beating Montenegro and Switzerland and putting in a good shift against England in their last three games.

In Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey Wales have two of the hottest prospects in European football, while Jack Collison, Joe Ledley and Ashley Williams have all shown recently they can cut it on the international stage.

They head to Bulgaria to face a team really out of sorts and looking for a pick-me-up to avoid finishing bottom of Group G.

Lothar Matthaus has left his role as Bulgaria coach and the team are in desperate need of a new manager based on their shambolic showing in the 3-0 friendly defeat to Ukraine on Friday. Bulgaria look ripr for the picking so a rare away win could be on the cards for Wales.

Match Bet – Wales to win @ 3/1

Italy v Northern Ireland (7:45pm)

Much like Bulgaria Northern Ireland are in the midst of their own managerial crisis after Nigel Worthington confirmed his departure from the national set-up.

Things couldn’t have gone much worse for the Irish since the 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in August, a result which left them in with a shout of reaching Euro 2012. They have since lost their last three qualifiers and have nothing to play for when they head to Pescara.

Worthington’s last game in charge could be a messy one as he has already lost a whole host of players to injury, including Chris Brunt, Sammy Clingan, Lee Camp, Grant McCann and Kyle Laffery. It could be a baptism of fire for some of Northern Ireland’s youngsters as they face an improving Italy side.

Cesare Prandelli has already helped Italy cruise through to the Euro 2012 finals and much like Spanish counterpart Del Bosque, the game with Northern Ireland is a chance to try out some young talent.

No matter who Prandelli puts out expect there to be a few goals and a comfortable win for the Italians.

Match Bet – Italy 3-0 @ 6/1

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Home comforts for English duo

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Stoke and Tottenham round off English interest in the Europa League on Thursday night with seemingly winnable home clashes against Besiktas and Shamrock Rovers. Having both drawn their opening group matches the two Premier League teams will feel a win is a must if they are to make it out of their respective groups.

Stoke v Besiktas

The Potters made a good start to their European adventure with a respectable 1-1 draw against Dynamo Kiev in the Ukraine two weeks ago.

Manager Tony Pulis felt his side could have won that game having conceded a last-minute equaliser and will see the visit of Turkish giants Besiktas as a great chance to announce themselves on the European stage.

Stoke put in a good performance against Manchester United at the weekend, halting the champions’ run of victories with a 1-1 draw at raucous Britannia Stadium.

Stoke will need their supporters to be right behind them again for the visit of the 13-time Turkish champions, who have made a good start to the season with three wins out of four domestically.

Carlos Carvalhal’s side also enjoyed a fantastic start to their Europa League campaign with a 5-1 victory over Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC on matchday one.

Their Portuguese coach has recruited heavily from his home country to strengthen Besiktas, with the likes of Ricardo Quaresma, Simao and Hugo Almedia all likely to be involved, while former Real Madrid and Spain star Guti could also get a run out.

Stoke’s team might not have as many star names but, as they proved at the weekend, their work ethic can close the gap in quality.

Besiktas might have won on two of their five trips to England but this is the night a lot of Stoke fans have been waiting for and they should spur Pulis’ men on to victory.

Match Bet – Stoke to win @ 4/5 and under 2.5 goals @ 4/6.

Tottenham v Shamrock Rovers

While Stoke welcome one of Europe’s more well-known sides Tottenham face a different prospect entirely when they play host to Irish Premier League outfit Shamrock Rovers.

The visitors to White Hart Lane will certainly need a huge slice of luck to avoid anything but a drubbing here, even with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitting he will rest the majority of his first-team squad.

The semi-professional Irish outfit qualified for the Europa League thanks to a startling win over Partizan Belgrade but have since been brought back down to earth after a 3-0 home defeat to Rubin Kazan on matchday one.

Rovers are 20/1 to win at Tottenham, a price which seems too short when you take everything into consideration.

Spurs seem to have hit their stride after a poor start to the season and even with the regulars watching from the stands they should dismantle Shamrock Rovers without breaking a sweat.

Tottenham have, unsurprisingly, never lost to an Irish team and haven’t even conceded a goal, a record which won’t change on Thursday night.

Match Bet – Tottenham to win 4-0 @ 40/1.

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England seek home comforts

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There will be those who believe that England have already secured their place in next year’s European Championships but there is still work to be done when local rivals Wales travel to Wembley on Tuesday night (England v Wales – totesport).

Fabio Capello’s men had been locked on 13 points at the top of Group G going into Friday night’s matches with England able to open up a lead after cruising to a 3-0 win, while Montenegro suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat in Cardiff.

The Three Lions are now three points clear of Montenegro with two games to go but they will not be able to confirm their place at Euro 2012, regardless of whether they win or not on Tuesday.

There are one or two injury concerns for Capello but only amongst the squad players as Leighton Baines has picked up a problem and has been ruled out, following on from Sunday’s withdrawals of Darren Bent and Micah Richards.

No replacements have been called up so Capello could well stick with the side that triumphed in Sofia, although there will be a question mark in midfield.

England stalwart Frank Lampard was surprisingly left on the bench against Bulgaria but may be recalled given the fact that Gareth Barry and Scott Parker are both one yellow card away from being suspended for next month’s crunch clash against Montenegro.

England would need a point in that game if they were to match the feat in Cardiff and beat Wales (England 1/7, Draw 7/1, Wales 16/1 Match Betting) after goals from Lampard and Bent secured a 2-0 win (11/2 Repeat Scoreline).

There was plenty on show on Friday to suggest that England will create enough chances to claim the three points, albeit against a poor Bulgaria side, and Wayne Rooney may well prove hard to stop after ending his year-long drought in the national jersey with two goals (Rooney 11/2 to score two or more).

The attacking trio of Ashley Young (3/2 Anytime Scorer), Theo Walcott (3/2) and Stewart Downing (9/4) also carried plenty of threat for the Three Lions and it is sure to be tough going for Gary Speed’s men when they have not got the ball.

The Dragons have endured a difficult time under his leadership but the 2-1 win over Montenegro can only boost the squad’s confidence ahead of the derby clash, and they would love nothing more than springing a 16/1 surprise.

Craig Bellamy and David Vaughan are both missing through suspension but Gareth Bale (9/2 Anytime Scorer), who was sidelined for the earlier fixture in Cardiff, was sensational against Montenegro and will be a real thorn in England’s side.

Whether that is enough is open to question but England have endured some difficulties at Wembley, since an opening 4-0 over Bulgaria last September.

In four games since then, they have been held by Montenegro and Switzerland in the group, as well as Ghana in a friendly, while France took the spoils last November.

The home side should have the ammunition and the tools to pick up the three points but with England, anything is possible.

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Azerbaijan in need of home help

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After a packed weekend of international fixtures, the Euro 2012 qualifiers continue on Tuesday with a number of potentially explosive fixtures that could have massive implications for next summer’s tournament to be held in Poland and Ukraine, with Germany and Sweden both in action (Sweden 8/1 – Group E winner).

A number of groups still hang in the balance after an unpredictable weekend and with only a limited fixture list, teams will be looking to build momentum as they look to make it through the arduous qualification process.

The first game of note is Germany’s trip to Baku to face Azerbaijan in a game that could seal their qualification to next summer’s championship. Germany have been nothing short of exceptional during qualifying and are one of only six sides to boast a 100 per cent record in qualifying. Azerbaijan on the other hand have had a poor qualifying campaign and still remain without a single major championship appearance since they gained independence in 1991.

Azerbaijan are currently coached by Germany legend Berti Vogts who was part of the German side that won the World Cup in 1974 as well as coaching them to victory in Euro 1996 and he will be looking to spring a few surprises.

Vagif Javadov will be the man they will be looking for fire them to victory against what has so far been an unforgiving German defence (Germany 1/12 – match prices).

Germany will be looking to their superb front line, including the likes Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, to fire them to victory as they look to qualify for an amazing 26th consecutive major tournament (Germany 4/1 – Euro 2012 outright winner).

Germany should win the tie comfortably but you never know what could happen when a big side faces a former Soviet country as Belarus’ draw with France demonstrated on Friday. However, Germany should win by a comfortable margin.

The other qualifier that catches the eye on Tuesday sees Finland travel to neighbours Sweden in a fixture that could have major implications for qualification.

Sweden currently sit in second position in Group E and will have all but given up hope of automatic qualification with the Netherlands in their group. However, they’re currently one of the teams in second place with the highest points totals and victory could see them through to the championships as one of the best second-placed teams.

They will be looking to captain and talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has recently returned to the international fold and is by far their most talented player. He’ll be ably assisted by Bolton striker Johan Elmander and they’ll be looking to score the goals to help their side qualify after missed out qualification for last summer’s World Cup (Sweden 1/4 – match prices).

Finland on the other hand have struggled so-far in qualification and are unlikely to qualify. However, they will be determined to make an impact in this local derby and Mixu Paatelainen’s side will be looking to Mikael Forssell to help them cause an upset (Finland 8/1 draw 4/1 – match prices).

However, the Sweden’s attacking superiority should be enough to see them home and they should seal the points that could help them secure a place in next summer’s competition.

Both games have the potential to be thrillers and whatever the outcome it will have implications for the other teams in their groups.

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