England vs. Slovenia Betting Preview and Pick
By: Hugh Wilson
Goal.com
England go in search of their fourth win on the spin in Euro 2016 qualification this weekend as they look to maintain their 100 percent record with Slovenia the visitors (12 p.m. ET ESPN Deportes, ESPN3).
Srecko Katanec’s men could be the surprise package to rival England in the group, winning two of their opening three matches, including victories against Switzerland and Lithuania away.
Slovenia narrowly missed out on a playoff spot when attempting to qualify for the World Cup in the summer, but sit in a strong position in their quest to qualify for Euro 2016. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook prices them at +1100 to cause an upset.
Roy Hodgson will be happy with how his side have started their qualification campaign, winning every match, despite a couple of lackluster performances. After sweeping aside Switzerland in their opener, the Three Lions beat San Marino 5-0, before a hard earned 1-0 win away to Estonia. The Westgate prices them at -330 to win, with the same book pricing the draw at +400.
On the goal-spread, William Hill U.S. has Slovenia +1½ goals (-125), with England -1½ goals (-105). The total is 2.5 goals (UNDER -120).
For those who like Wayne Rooney to celebrate his 100th cap with a goal, you can back him at +105 to net in 90 minutes, and +333 to open the scoring.
Since exiting the World Cup in the summer, England have won all four matches, scoring nine goals and yet to concede.
With the English defense not being breached in their last five matches, expect Slovenia to struggle to break down Joe Hart and Co. With the visitors losing four of their last six matches, all without scoring a goal, value can be found in the 'win by shutout' market in this fixture with England short to back outright.
Outside of Nevada, England is priced to win in a shutout at -125, a bet that would have landed in each of England’s last seven wins.
Goal.com best bet: England to win via shutout at -125.