International Lays: Spain and Russia are no bankers

6Feb 2013

Betfair

Michael Lintorn identifies three teams to oppose in Wednesday night's international friendlies...

Lay Spain to beat Uruguay in Doha @ 1.66

Having been quite possibly the best international team on the planet besides Spain in 2011, Uruguay endured a miserable 2012, winning only one of their nine matches between February and October before hinting at resurgence with a 3-1 triumph in Poland. They have Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and all the gang primed and ready for a tussle with the world's greatest, whereas Spain are missing Iker Casillas, Xavi and Xabi Alonso. While head-to-head statistics carry less weight at international level, it could also prove significant that Spain have never defeated Uruguay beyond their borders prior to tonight's encounter in Qatar.

Lay Russia (-1) to beat Iceland in Marbella @ 2.22

The initial pick was going to be an outright lay of Russia at 1.47, but with Russia a decent price to falter with a one-goal handicap, the slightly safer approach is preferable. Russia have been faultless in competitive action under Fabio Capello, with four wins in four underselling the challenge provided by World Cup qualifying Group F. They don't carry that ruthlessness into friendlies though, being held at home by Ivory Coast and USA. Iceland are on the ascendancy as illustrated by four victories in six. The gulf between the pair has never been as vast as you might suspect either, with Russia prevailing by more than one goal once in seven meetings.

Lay Switzerland (draw no bet) to win in Greece @ 2.22

Many will scan past this result in their Thursday papers but FIFA's rankings declare it a clash between the world's 11th and 13th best. Besides Greece's two-place lead in those rankings, little splits the duo. Both boast 10 points four games into their World Cup qualifying campaigns and are infrequent losers. The logic behind this lay selection is that, while Greece aren't certain to win, it is difficult to see them being beaten. They have won five and drawn one of their six fixtures since Euro 2012, have lost just three of their past 31 matches and were last conquered at home in March 2010, winning six and drawing five since.