England need just a point to secure qualification for Euro 2012 and they should achieve it in Montenegro, probably in mind-numbingly dull circumstances.
The tedious nature of international weekends is nearing its end for 2011, with the last round of matches ahead of next summer’s tournament taking place over the coming days, but there are still a number of issues to be decided, not least in Podgorica.
Montenegro themselves would also benefit from a draw, leaving them needing just a point versus Switzerland on Tuesday to make the playoffs, and it’s hard to imagine this being a particularly open contest.
The Three Lions, with the safety net of a route to the finals as the likely best group runners-up, should get the job done with the minimum of fuss but they might just have to settle for a stalemate and there is definitely value in backing this to finish goalless.
With three consecutive 1-0 wins to open the campaign, Friday’s hosts were very well placed indeed following the forgettable 0-0 draw at Wembley when these two last met and it would have been much more interesting tonight had Montenegro not succumbed to Wales last time out.
A 2-1 reversal at the hands of Gary Speeds’ team was a shock, Montenegro had conceded just once in their previous five qualifiers, but they are well equipped to deal with England, despite Fabio Capello’s men having a terrific recent record on the road, and the longer this match goes without the net being found then the prospect of it meandering towards the final whistle without much goalmouth action is increased.
Given the circumstances, I was expecting 0-0 in the correct score market to be around the 7.00 mark and therefore am delighted to see 10.50 widely offered on Betfair.
England, of course, have the players to strike at anytime, Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young, the Manchester United duo, are likely to be the chief threats to the home team, but the 22 players will be all to aware of what’s at stake and neither will want to suffer defeat.
With two robust defences on show, there should be plenty of mileage in this bet and for those of you out there more inclined to trade in-running for a profit, I expect plenty of opportunity for you to be able to do so.
2pts Back No Goal Scorer (Montenegro vs. England) @ 10.5 (Betfair)