Crouch’s goal ratio, Ireland’s San Nicola success and more

Five stats about the midweek World Cup qualifiers

1. Peter Crouch has an incredible goal-to-start ratio for England and has scored thirteen goals in the last thirteen games that he has started.

2. Italy had won all eight of their previous games in Bari before being held to a 1-1 draw by the Republic of Ireland last night at the Stadio San Nicola.

3. Northern Ireland have won eight and drawn one of their last nine competitive matches at Windsor Park, compensating for the fact they have taken just four points from their last seven away games.

Posted: April 2nd, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Ireland’s away record doesn’t suggest they will shock Italy

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side often struggle in away qualifiers

Robbie Keane and Stephen Hunt have made a big deal to the press about how Ireland raise their game when written off and relish underdog status but there isn’t enough evidence to suggest the visitors should be backed, despite being available at 9/1.

Ireland have lost on their three previous visits to Italy and alarmingly have won just four of their last fifteen competitive away games. Those victories have all come against countries who hadn’t/haven’t won a home game during that campaign (Faroe Islands, Cyprus, San Marino and Georgia).

Posted: April 1st, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Ten statistics about England’s qualifying clash with Ukraine

England/Ukraine, Wednesday 8pm, ITV1, Free Bets, Best Odds

England fans have a reputation for fickleness but the antics of the Wembley crowd must seem refreshing to Fabio Capello when compared to the actions of some supporters in his homeland. Italy fans in Bari are expected to boo Marcello Lippi, the man who won them the World Cup, tonight and cheer his predecessor Giovanni Trapattoni, the man who twice flopped in international tournaments. The reason? Lippi refused to call up their favourite son Antonio Cassano. Capello on the other hand can expect a hearty applause this evening despite trying to pick even Darren Bent ahead of Michael Owen. Here’s ten stats about tonight’s game with Ukraine:

1. Both teams are unbeaten in Group 6, with England winning all four of their games. Ukraine have won two and drawn one of their three.

2. Ukraine are unbeaten in eight games and have won four consecutive away games.

3. However, they have been seen off easily on their two previous trips to England - losing 2-0 in 2000 and 3-0 in 2004.

Posted: April 1st, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Past meetings: There’s good news for Scotland and Wales

However the Republic of Ireland always lose away to Italy

chickendinner have put the records of all the home nations against their midweek opponents into a handy table to help you decide where there is money to be made betting on the World Cup qualifiers.

Scotland’s 100% record against Iceland makes the general 4/7 being offered on the home win look less stingy but hopes of the Republic of Ireland taking a point against Italy in Bari at 3/1with Bet365 are damaged by the fact the sides have never drawn in eight meetings. Does the fact Wales have won half of their meetings with Germany in Cardiff tempt you to back an unlikely home win at 7/1 with Boylesports?

Check out all the information in the table below before making your mind up:

Posted: March 31st, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment