Home and Away: Back Russians to deny Scolari first win

25Mar 2013

Betfair

Jonno Turner aims to build on a value 4.5 tip of Wales on Friday with another leftfield selection of Russia, and a pick from closer to home...

We're focussing on action in London this evening - as Brazil face Russia in the capital, in an international friendly.

Fabio Capello's Russia side go into this clash well rested following the postponement of their weekend fixture with Northern Ireland - and they will be keen to spring a surprise on the South Americans.

The Italian boss has already intimated that he is treating this tie seriously, and is looking for the win, and that promises a fast-flowing game of attacking football from these sides.

And with his side having lost just one game since March 2011, I think that they are a decent bet to make a game of this one.

Russia have kept five clean sheets from their last six games, and Capello will be looking for his defence to maintain that miserly approach as they face the five times world champions.

And 10 unbeaten from their last 11 outside of Russia suggests that they will be comfortable lining up at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Brazil go into this one still without a win under Luis Filipe Scolari, and they will be disappointed to have thrown away a 2-0 lead in Geneva against Italy last week - as they ended up drawing 2-2.

That makes just one win from five for the Samba boys - and suggests that they are not quite the formidable opposition they once were.

I think it's fair to say that this Brazil side is certainly one in transition, and Scolari will be keen for them to finally break that victory hoodoo here - with three of the side (Luiz, Ramires and Oscar) playing on their own patch.

But I reckon the Brazilians are priced far too short for the win here - and the real value lies in Russia, at 6.4. The South American defence has looked far from tight in recent outings, and the Europeans have more than enough capability to nick a goal or two here, which would provide a perfect opportunity to trade out for profit.

Alternatively, for the more cautious amongst us, the Russians are available at 4.5 on the DRAW NO BET market.

Bet 1: Russia (AWAY) @ 6.4

Switching our attentions to slightly less glamourous climes now - as Chelmsford City host Eastbourne in the Conference South, looking to pile the pressure on the top three - and build on a 6-0 thrashing of Farnborough last week.

The hosts have been going well this campaign - and currently sit fourth in the division, with just one loss from their last 19 outings on their home patch.

That will give Glenn Pennyfather's side much confidence ahead of this clash, with two clean sheets from their last three at the Melbourne Stadium underlining just how comfortable the Essex side have looked in recent weeks.

Twenty two goals notched in eight games in front of their own fans suggests that the hosts are lethal in the final third, and that will be worrying for their visitors, who have kept just two clean sheets in eight games on their travels.

Eastbourne line up for this one sitting 17th in the table, and are just four points outside the relegation zone - which will have them feeling the pressure.

Tommy Widdrington's side have struggled for consistency of late, and have failed to win in seven of their last nine league games, which suggests that they may find the momentum of their hosts difficult to cope with.

Furthermore, just one goal scored in their last six hours of football indicates that the goal shy Sussex side desperately need a bit of luck in attacking areas tonight.

Chelmsford have won the last two meetings between these sides - and I expect them to make it a hat trick here.

Bet 2: Chelmsford City (HOME) @ 1.57