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Wednesdays Soccer – By Chris

EURO 2008 qualifying games

Russia - England 3.20 - 2.40
I almost always back England, but in my opinion, England should not be favourites in Russia. Not on any surface and especially not when the match will be played on artificial turf. Russia were outclassed at Wembley, no denying that, but this will be a completely different game. "My players were overawed, showed too much respect" - said the Russian coach Hiddink after the 0-3 loss in the first game. Well, he had to say something.

Russia will be without their winger Bystrov as well as their first choice keeper, Akinfeev. Russia will field the same starting eleven, but maybe the Sevilla striker Kershakow will earn a starting role, joining his old compagnon Arshavin in the attacking line.

Despite the ever present England keeper P Robinson, England have kept 6 consecutive clean sheets. They played a super game against this Russian side a month ago, probably the best game since their 5-1 win in Germany amny moons ago. Expect the same starting line up tomorrow as vs Estonia at the weekend, minus the injured A Cole. Gareth Barry preferred to F Lampard. Absolutely OK with me. I have never seen anything great from Lampard when he is playing for England. Latest news indicate that J Lescott will play on the A Cole position.

Plenty of quality in the Russian team, and their artificial turf is obviously trickier than most surfaces, and I will be behind Russia this time. (3.20)2-1

Georgia - Scotland 5.50 - 1.67
I am grumpy today. No way will accept Scotland as mega favourites in Georgia. If there ever was a case of a banana skin situation, this is it. A few days after the Rangers win at Lyon, they lost a home game in the Scottish league, and I would not be surprised to see something like that happening to this Scottish national team. McCulloch, S Brown and A Hutton, all starters in the Ukraine fixture, will not be able to play vs Georgia. They all played strong matches. Add the substitute, O'Connor, who is out, suspended. One light in the tunnel - D Fletcher, the M United midfielder, will return to their squad.

Georgia kept a 0-0 draw with Italy for some 40 minutes. Then their keeper made the strangest of choices and allowed a simple free kick from Pirlo to reach the net. Georgia were pushed back for most of the game, but they never became desperate. They are too clever on the ball for that. I can see the Scots chasing the ball for long periods in this match. Missing tomorrow once again are Kaladze and Kobiahsvili. Yes, their unlucky keeper has lost his job and there will be a new goalkeeper between the sticks this time. Have to back the outsider. (5.50)2-0

Bosnia/Herzegovina - Norway 4.00 - 2.20
Great result for the Norwegians at the weekend. They did not play, I am well aware of that, but Turkey failed to defeat Moldova, and that is what I am driving at.

The Bosnian coach is complaining. " My players are tired, we had to play against Greece with only 10 men". Both Hrgovic and Rahimic are suspended for this match. (important players) According to the Bosnian coach, his side will play an offensive game, using a 4-3-3 formation. Tired players and an offensive game plan - sounds good for Norway.

One severe set back for Norway is that their big striker, J Carew, is on the injury list. T Helstad will be his replacement, playing in the middle, with Gamst-Pedersen and Solli on the flanks. Statistics show that Norway have succeeded better without Carew, but I cannot help it, I would have preferred Carew to play. Norway function quite well on their travels and in my opinion a lot speaks for an away win in this match. (2.20)0-2

-Chris-