International Football Tips For The Weekend 3rd & 4th June
The other game in England’s Group sees second placed Montenegro host fourth placed Bulgaria at the Podgorica City Stadium. Montenegro are level with England on 10 points after 4 games with 3 wins and a draw, but whilst England have scored 9, Montenegro have only scored 3 goals despite boasting the likes of captain Mirko Vucinic of Roma and Steven Jovetic of Fiorentina.
Premier League top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov has of course retired from international football and goals are similarly on the short side. ‘The Petrov Boys’, Stilian of Aston Villa and Martin of Bolton are usual scorers for Lothar Matthaus’ side, but neither midfielder is a consistent goalscorer for club or country.
With all 7 of Montenegro’s last home games at Podgorica finishing with less than 3 goals, expect another similarly low scoring encounter, which Montenegro should edge to keep the pressure on England.
Under 2.5 goals (Montenegro v Bulgaria) @1.525
Fresh from their Home Nations win, the Republic of Ireland are straight back into action in a crucial qualifier against Macedonia at the Philip II Arena.
Ireland currently lead Group B on goal difference winning 3 out of 5 games, but the regular game time against Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales should hold Trapattoni’s men in good stead. Ireland have won 4 out of their last 5 games and Robbie Keane is one player who is in encouraging international form with 4 goals in Ireland’s last 4 games. Macedonia conversely have lost 4 out of their last 5 games, but Jonuz can call upon Pandev of Inter. Fresh from Home Nations victory, Ireland are in good form and confidence and will look to pick up a positive result against Macedonia on Saturday.
Republic of Ireland 0AH (Asian Handicap) @1.525