Wakey Wakey England
Patriotic English spread bettors will be hoping that England can put up a better performance against the Algerians than they did against USA on Saturday. It couldn't have been a massive surprise, as England tend to start most World Cups with a whimper rather than a bang. They can still be bought at 19 in Sporting Index's Group C index and they now have what looks like two easy group games.
Algeria looked a very poor side against Slovenia and their goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi managed to even out-do Robert Green in the calamity stakes. England have never played against Algeria before, but those punters looking to buy the time of the first 'Desert Foxes' goal at 73 minutes will be encouraged to see they have only scored one goal in their last six games. Robert Green, or whoever's picked in goal, shouldn't have too much cause for concern. This is the Algerians' first appearance at a finals since 1986 and they have never gone beyond the group stage, so the majority of spread punters will surely be opposing them by the bucketload.
England are 1.8-2 point spread supremacy favourites in this contest, but it's worth pointing out that the Three Lions haven't scored more than two goals at a World Cup since their second round 3-0 win against Denmark in 2002, including a game against supposed minnows Trinidad & Tobago.
Following on from Steven Gerrard's fourth minute opener against the Americans, there will be plenty of spread betting interest in the time of England's first goal on Friday. The Sporting Index traders have set a spread of 37-40 minutes and there should be plenty of sellers interested in that quote, while the most bullish of England fans could be interested in the time of the fourth goal quote at 84-86 minutes. Capello's side have scored five and six goals in their last 11 games.
Wayne Rooney was slightly disappointing in the opening game, but his goal minutes spread is still 37-40. However, those looking to oppose England's star striker will be pleased to hear that he has now failed to score in his last six outings for his country.
Buyers of the bookings index spread might be encouraged after seeing the aggressive Algerians in their opener against Slovenia, in which Abdelkader Ghezzal was expelled for a second yellow card after just 15 minutes on the pitch. They will also hope for at least the six bookings and 60pt make-up accumulated in England's first game against USA. Other bookings spread buyers and sellers might prefer to draw conclusions based on the referee for the match, Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan. He was in charge of the World Cup's opening match between South Africa and Mexico, blew for 30 fouls and dished out four yellow cards.
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