Republic of Ireland

However, despite the fact the Irish enjoy such a commanding lead boss Giovanni Trapattoni will not be taking Estonia lightly and will be keen for his side to secure a win on Tuesday night.  Estonia will need to attack from the off, leaving them vulnerable at the back and with Ireland’s superior strength going forward they could blow their opponents away for a second time.  In the half-time/full-time market a Republic of Ireland/Republic of Ireland result is priced at 5/6, which represents better value than the 2/5 on offer for an Ireland victory.

Montenegro slumped to a 2-0 loss in Czech Republic in the first-leg and it looks as if the Czechs will be able to secure a place at Euro 2012.  Montenegro offered very little going forward in the first-leg and could struggle again, despite enjoying home advantage.  Czech Republic are priced at 7/4 to win the match, while Montenegro are 8/5.  Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky produced a fine display in the first-leg but his performance was not rewarded with a goal, the winger is priced at 10/1 to get his name on the score sheet and score first on Tuesday.

The most intriguing tie on Tuesday is Bosnia’s visit to Portugal as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.  Bosnia will progress if they can secure a score draw in Portugal on Tuesday, which would be a massive achievement.  A draw is priced at 10/3, while 1-1 is available at 6/1. Portugal should prove too strong for Bosnia but the visitors should not be dismissed lightly as they have quality amongst their ranks, including Manchester City striker Eden Dzeko. Bosnia are 13/2 to secure the win, while Portugal are 4/9 but the game could well be closer than the odds suggest and in the half-time/full-time market a draw/Portugal result is priced at 10/3.

Croatia host Turkey in a tie that already looks out of the visitors’ reach, thanks to Croatia’s 3-0 win in Turkey in the first-leg.  Turkey will be desperate to avenge that defeat and will look to throw everything at Croatia, which will leave them vulnerable on the counter-attack.  Croatia are 8/11 to secure the win, the draw is available at 13/5 but a small wager on Turkey at 4/1 could be a bet worth placing as they will be desperate to salvage some pride after their first-leg hammering.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Colombia

The main talking point of the finals so far has been the failure of the host nation Argentina to register a victory from their opening two matches, against Bolivia and the Colombians.

This has resulted in angry protests from the press and supporters of Argentina and there have now been reports of in-fighting within coach Sergio Batista’s squad.

However, while Colombia’s strong defence held them to a goalless draw on Wednesday, Costa Rica rose to the challenge and defeated Bolivia the following evening to leave them third in Group A and in great danger of an early exit.

Argentina’s anxiousness will not be eased by the prospect of seeing Colombia face bottom side Bolivia on Sunday, knowing one of two quarter-final places will be taken up if they manage even a draw from that game (5/2 Draw 90 Minutes).

Los Cafeteros have shown good signs as a team capable of going possibly winning the tournament and confident defender Mario Yepes insisted that they are ‘well on their way’.

Dario Gomez’s Colombia might have Europe’s most prolific striker in the shape of FC Porto’s Radamel Falcao (Evens Anytime Goalscorer) and his creative team-mate Fredy Guarin, but that pairing have been put firmly in the shade by a resolute defence which has kept six clean sheets in their last nine games (11/10 To Keep A Clean Sheet).

The previous 12 games involving Colombia have failed to produce more than 2.5 goals so, while they don’t score many, opposition teams will always have to work over-time to breach their rearguard (15/8  1 or Less – Total Goals).

That leaves Bolivia with a tall order to secure the win they require to stay in with a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals and do Argentina a favour in the process.

La Verde have something in common with Colombia, in that they have only scored one goal in their opening two games – but they have conceded three which will be a concern to coach Gustavo Quinteros.

Bolivia have also failed to win so far in 2011 with four defeats and three draws from seven games since February, including the two matches played in the Copa America.

Therefore, despite it being a must-win encounter for them (Bolivia 9/2 To Win 90 Minutes), it seems highly likely that their involvement will come to an end on Sunday while Colombia will progress into the last-eight.

Prediction: Colombia To Win 90 Minutes @ 4/7

Value Bet: Guarin To Score & Colombia Win 1-0 Scorecast @ 35/1

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Bristol City

The deal will keep the former Portsmouth captain at Ashton Gate for a year with an option for an additional 12 months.

Earlier in the week it looked as though the 39-year-old would be moving to Scottish giants Celtic when he was set to go up to Glasgow to discuss terms.

However he failed to agree terms with the club, who then decided to state that they were no longer interested in the keeper just hours before he was confirmed as signing for City (11/2 to win promotion from the Championship) on Friday.

James was also linked with Premier League side Sunderland but the type of deal the Robins offered and the proximity to where the former Liverpool player lives seems to have been the deciding factors for the move.

The veteran keeper revealed that he had offers from clubs in the top flight but decided to take up the challenge at Ashton Gate.

He said: “I’ve had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football – which I love – for the right club and be a family man.

“I had a long conversation with the chairman Steve Lansdown yesterday and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition. I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League.

“The club is ambitious and that’s what I am. The South West has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change,” he added.

James played in three of England’s four World Cup games in South Africa this summer as he battled for a starting place with Robert Green and Joe Hart.

After Green’s mistake in the opening game against the USA, which ultimately cost the Three Lions the win, James was brought in and performed well in the remaining group fixtures.

The player’s contract will begin on August 1 after he completed a medical at the club on Friday.

Bristol City begin there campaign to try and reach the top flight against newly promoted Millwall at Ashton Gate on August 7.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.