Ukraine v England: Lambert to extend record in tight affair
Published:
England fans can expect a tight, low-scoring affair when the Three Lions take to the pitch at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium on Tuesday (September 10th).
If qualification for Brazil 2014 is to remain firmly in their hands, this often hard-fought tie could prove a “must-win” for Roy Hodgson’s men.
Just four goals have been scored in the last three games played between the two nations, with the last clash a 1-1 draw and England edging the previous two by one goal to nil.
As such, the 8/13 offered on the match producing under 2.5 goals is one of the more tempting side bets available on the game.
More than 2.5 goals have been achieved just twice in the last six meetings, with England running out 2-1 and 3-0 winners in 2009 and 2004 respectively, and while this clash promises to be a tentative affair – on England’s part at least – those who fancy three or more this time round can get 6/5 with Ladbrokes on just that.
With a solitary goal likely to settle this tie, many could be tempted to back Rickie Lambert to score first goal at 6/1 and maintain his 100 per cent international record.
The Southampton striker followed up his debut winner against Scotland with a simple nod in for England’s second in the 4-0 triumph over Moldova, and with Danny Welbeck suspended and Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney sidelined by injury, the Saints’ man is almost guaranteed a start.
Lambert has already surpassed the fairly recent 100 per cent records of Francis Jeffers and David Nugent by becoming the first England player since 1976 to score in his first two internationals.
The 31-year-old is now eyeing the record of four in four – set by Leeds United’s Allan Clarke between 1970 and 1971 – and would almost certainly book a ticket to Brazil with a winner here.
With Lambert leading the line on what looks set to be a close encounter, the 33/1 on him scoring in a 1-0 win certainly looks great value.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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