EURO 2012 BETTING PICK - ENGLAND V UKRAINE

Euro 2012

2012-06-19 - England vs Ukraine

A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted

ENGLAND v UKRAINE
Football : Europe : EURO 2012
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012, 7:45PM GMT

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PREVIEW

Group c will come to a climax on Tuesday night and one of the matches sees England play hosts Ukraine. England only need a draw to get through to the next stage, while the Ukraine need a win.

The head-to-head is in Englands favour, having beaten Ukraine in 3 of 4 previous meetings, although the last meeting was a 1-0 win for Ukraine in qualification for World Cup 2010. Still, since the new manager Hodgson came in England have remained undefeated through 4 games, with 3 wins and a draw.

I've pulled up a few stats that show Ukraine are serious underdogs for this game, meaning the price on the England win is pure value. The Ukraine have really bad shooting accuracy, lowest of all the teams in the Euro competition, with just 21% on target! The hosts have had just 4 shots on target after 4 games, 3 of which were from Shevchenko, although he did convert 2 of them. Still, against Joe Hart, it's going to be tough going!

All the talk has been about Wayne Rooney but I have been seriously encouraged by the other players in the squad, who have really done well. Sure, the defence has looked questionable in letting in chinless lesbian lookalike Nasri's equaliser, and especially so when allowing Sweden their quick double, but Andy Carroll and Welbecks goals were excellent, showing the offence has more to rely on than just Shrek. What really impressed was Theo Walcott's sub appearance. In 30 minutes, the Arsenal player completed all 8 passes he attempted, provided the assist for Welbecks goal, and of course scored that cracker to bring it level. There are questions in the back that will be addressed, but up front England look like a team that could cause trouble.

I see Ukraine losing this. Like Croatia yesterday and Denmark the day before, they need to chase the game looking for the win but are likely to get hammered on the break. England are loaded with talent up front, with the likes of the Ox and Defoe too if needed. I know the hopes of a nation depend on this result to keep it interesting but England are the pick here.

BETTING VERDICT

I have a banker bet in mind but can't seem to find a bookie that will take action on a banana being thrown on the pitch. I think I'll just keep it boring and take England to win.

The Pick :