England v Algeria Betting Preview

Written by Dave Allan Monday, 14 June 2010 17:33

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An embarrassed England take on Algeria on Friday evening (7:30 UK time) knowing that only a win will set them on course for a place in the next betting phase of the 2010 World Cup.

If it could go wrong it did go wrong for Fabio Capello’s England side against USA. The gamble to play James Milner backfired as the Villa star had clearly not recovered from a midweek virus and he lasted only 23 minutes. However, worse had already happened with Ledley King tearing his groin in the very first minute of the game, (he lasted the half only.) Robert Green’s fumble of a weak shot from Clint Dempsey that bounced twice before it ended up in the back of the net compounded a poor start to the campaign.

Capello played a 4-4-2 formation in the first game but will be aware that Algeria are likely to flood midfield in this key group game. Whether Capello will opt to play five in midfield will be a closely guarded secret until two hours to kick-off. The England manager will also have other selection problems. Jamie Carragher came on for King against USA but was quickly exposed as the speedy Jozy Altidore burst past him and one thing that Algeria have is great pace. The other choices at centre back are the uncapped Michael Dawson or the workmanlike Matthew Upson.

As far as goal threat is concerned England will be hoping that Wayne Rooney can become more involved having had a quiet game against USA.  Emile Heskey played his usual decent link up play in the first game with a hand in Steven Gerrard’s goal, but his later miss when put through by Aaron Lennon showed the real weakness in his game. If England play with two strikers it is likely that Peter Crouch could start alternatively Joe Cole could play if England opt to match Algeria in Midfield. Gareth Barry is also likely to start this game which will allow Gerrard and Frank Lampard more licence to get forward.

It is unlikely that Robert Green will continue in goal particularly if David James is able to prove that he is fit.

England were not the only team to suffer the trauma of goalkeeping deficiencies as Algeria had their own nightmare moment in the opening defeat against Slovenia. Keeper Faouzi Chaouchi did not get behind a poor shot from Slovenia skipper Robert Koren, that spat up off the turf and was fumbled into the back of the net. This was not the only Algerian mistake but was definitely the most costly as Algeria were unable to grab a goal back and so failed to gain a point from this first game.

In truth the Desert Foxes were the better team against Slovenia, played more aggressive counterattacking and were able to string meaningful passes together. Algeria flooded midfield soaked up the little pressure that Slovenia exerted and countered speedily. The second blow in their first game was the sending off after two yellow cards of Abdelkader Ghezzal. The substitute had only been on the field of play for 15 minutes!

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane has made it clear that he will stick with his goalkeeper despite his mistake and said “He is the best goalkeeper we have at the moment.” The coach then pointed out that the tricky ball and the state of the turf were other mitigating factors.

Algeria will continue to play on the counter and it is certain they will feel they can expose the lack of pace at the back for England. The Desert Foxes are likely to name an unchanged line-up.

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