ENGLAND VS SLOVAKIA BETTING TIPS

Paddy Power has already opened up the betting markets for this weekend's much-anticipated clash with Slovakia as World Cup Qualifying continues. Fabio Capello has named his team and there are several surprising names in there like Ben Foster, Ledley King, Aaron Lennon and Leighton Baines. The forward line will be made up of a combination including two of Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole. Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young have both been dropped. David Beckham was handed a call-up and will need to survive a late fitness test on his ankle if he is to pip Wright-Phillips or the in-form Aaron Lennon to the starting slot on the right side of midfield. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are both in the side so we will again be wondering whether Capello plays one or both. Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick also both make the cut. As it currently stands, England are listed as the 2-7 favourites to secure an outright victory. The draw pays out at 4/1 while a Slovakia victory is listed at 9/1. England to win both halves is an enticing bet and is available at 4/5. If word gets out early that Rooney is starting, I would back the hell out of that bet as it's the best value you're going to get and I truly can't see Slovakia scoring. We'll have pace on the flanks with Lennon likely to get the start and I can see him teaming up well with Rooney to cause havoc down the right side. The bookmakers are favouring a scoreline of either 1-0 or 2-0 as both carry odds of 5/1. England to win 2-1 pays out at 15/2 and 3-0 pays 7/1. A 1-1 draw is available at 9/1 and a 1-0 Slovakia victory would bring a payday in the region of 16/1. My prediction is that England will click strongly in this game and produce some encouraging results against Capello. This isn't a friendly, so I don't expect him to take many chances in terms of selection and tactics. The friendlies are always tough to get on as he seldom fields a full-strength side in a non-competitive match. If England produce the performance that they're capable of, I would back them to win either 3-0 or 4-0 which pay out at 7/1 and 12/1, respectively. PREDICTION:Wayne Rooney to score first and England to win 4-0 pays out at 33/1.