Say what you like about the Nations League. Just don’t put big money where your mouth is.
As punting material, England’s Group A2 clash with Belgium today (5pm) is far too heavy on the guesswork. Blighted by virus-related mysteries over selections and ambitions.
Still, it’s another chance for British fans to gawp at the gossamer touch of your standard top-rank ‘contintentals’.
Even the most ordinary backline hoofer seems to have the timeless calm and supple, cultured ballet-slipper of the high-wire walker.
Now here come our brave boys, galloping on in their wellies, defying the rising tide of panic.
England’s competitive record against the international elite means Belgium are favourites. They are also ranked No.1 in the world by FIFA.
England are fourth and Switzerland eighth. Two ‘anytime scorer’ nibbles could be a laugh as well.
Check starters. Crystal Palace fans might by surprised to hear Michy Batshuayi is worth a go ‘anytime scorer’ at 43/20 (888sport) on his stats.
And pick Harry Maguire or Michael Keane at 14/1 (Bet365) ‘anytime’. The old Gareth Southgate Plan A looks due a reboot.
Four games through the looking glass of this Premier League season and the title race has gone pretty ugly for punters.
City and Liverpool 1/4 combined? No thanks. Everton at 20/1? They were 500/1 a minute ago. Worse than backing a loser.
And if you’re thinking Villa or Leicester, pull over at the next available services and poke yourself in the eye.
Stick to goals. It’ll take 30+ for the Golden Boot . Very few have that in ‘em. Harry Kane has. If you haven’t dabbled yet, he’s fair at 8/1 .
Punt Tottenham as ‘the highest scoring team’ too – the 66/1 (Boylesports) is daft. Get on!
Fulham and West Brom are already seeking their ‘plus one’ for the Annual Plughole Ball.
It’s probably Sean Dyche or Chris Wilder. Not enough goals and no clear success in buying any. Hard to choose. You don’t have to.
Punt the Brom/Fulham/Burnley ‘relegation treble’ AND the Brom/Fulham/Sheff Utd treble - each pays 8/1 (Bet365) . If either wins it’s like a 7/2 payout on your total stake.
Villarreal’s Gerard Moreno is worth a lucky nugget at 33/1 (Paddy) to nick Lionel Messi’s Golden Boot in La Liga this season
Last week: Winners at 9/2, 15/8 & 9/5
