S.P.Read Esq: England v Switzerland

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to the Euro 2016 qualifier between ENGLAND v SWITZERLAND and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

GOOD RESULT last night with the recommended sell of the time of the first Germany goal on Star Spreads.

England set punters a real dilemma tonight. For the first time in a long time they are playing a competitive game which is, in effect, a dead rubber for the right reasons. They are in the luxurious position of having already qualified for Euro 2016 in France and if it were a horse race you’d be asking:

(1) Will they be heavily eased towards the finish ?

or

(2) Will they be kept up to their work and pull further clear ?

Tonight’s opposition, Switzerland, will certainly be hoping it’s the former as although they are second in Group E they are by no means past the post. A Swiss loss tonight and a win for Estonia would narrow the gap to just two points in the race for second spot.

Remember that the qualifying rules are that the group winners, runners-up, and the best third-placed team (with the results against the sixth-placed team discarded) reach the finals.

There’s never been much between the two sides and it will be interesting to see how England respond with the pressure off their shoulders. They beat Switzerland 2-0 in the reverse fixture in Zurich last September. Another factor to take into account tonight is the impendiing return of the Premier League this weekend with some huge fixtures (including Man U v Liverpool and how much players will want to exert themselves ahead of that.

There certainly must be a strong chance that Wayne Rooney will break Sir Bobby Charlton’s record as England’s top goal scorer which he levelled on 49 with his goal against San Marino on Saturday. On the basis he’s scored nine times in his last 11 internationals he’s around a 5/4 chance to do it.

England v Switzerland
UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier
19:45pm ITV / ITV HD

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Sep 2014 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS Switzerland 0-2 England
Jun 2011 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS England 2-2 Switzerland
Sep 2010 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS Switzerland 1-3 England
Feb 2008 INTERNATIONAL England 2-1 Switzerland
Jun 2004 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS England 3-0 Switzerland
Mar 1998 INTERNATIONAL Switzerland 1-1 England
Jun 1996 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS England 1-1 Switzerland
Nov 1995 INTERNATIONAL England 3-1 Switzerland
May 1998 INTERNATIONAL Switzerland 0-1 England
May 1981 WORLD CUP Switzerland 2-1 England

In terms of a winner tonight I’m pretty devoid of an opinion (which is hardly a good thing for a pundit to admit to). However, I do think there will be goals (even if I’m not sure at which end !!) so selling the time of the second match goal at 65 minutes with Star Spreads makes plenty of appeal.

CLICK FOR ENGLAND v SWITZERLAND MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale 1-100 points)

SELL time of 2nd MATCH GOAL for 20 points at around 65 minutes with STAR SPREADS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.