Ramsay's Treat

I'm not one for jumping on band-wagons, or any wooden form of transport,
but Sven has made mistakes in the last couple of games that need to be
rectified.

The Quarter-back formation has been a disaster, and should be binned
quicker than Michelle McManus. The system suited David Beckham down to
the ground, but completely negated the world class talent of Gerrard and
Lampard.

With a change in formation a given, Sven's greatest dilemma is the
centre back positions. Terry has been all gold this season, so his
place in the starting 11 is assured. His partner will either be Rio
Ferdinand or Sol Campbell, and for my money, Campbell should get the
nod.

Rio has a notoriously bad memory, his recent performances for club and
country would indicate that the art of defending has now slipped his
mind. On the other hand, Campbell looks hungrier than Wayne Rooney; Sol
is definitely worth a nibble at 25/1 to net the opener.

England go into the match with their greatest goal threat suspended.
(R.E.M. had the foresight to write a song about Sven's crisis, "If you
believe, they put a ban on the Roon?") Early indications would suggest
that Peter Crouch will be Rooney's replacement, which proves that Sven
has a severe case of Benitezitis, an infliction that makes you believe a
gangly forward is the answer to all problems.

Even with Crouch playing, England should be backed at 1/5, if that's too
skinny, get on England minus a goal at 8/15.

Now i'm not Gordon Ramsay; but I can knock up a tart no problem.

Here's a recipe for Sven:

Bin the quarter-back.
Bin Rio.
Bin Crouch.

Put these ingredients together, and in nine months, a World Cup
challenge will be ready. You can back England for World Cup glory at
8/1.

Belgium v Spain is the tastiest looking match of the weekend; both teams
are desperate for the win to remain in contention for qualification.
The first meet between the two teams saw two Belgians see red; it's no
surprise to see Van Damme in the squad for this one. The Spanish are
famous big game chokers; I'll be on Belgium at 11/5.

Why is it all the great players end in 'O'? (Joseph Yobo is the
exception that proves the rule.) Ronaldo, Robinho, Ze Roberto and
Adriano will dazzle the Bolivians on Sunday night live on Bravo, back
the breath-taking Brazilians at 4/6.

The following English team specials are all available at Super Soccer.

"On your Owen" - Owen to score the only goal of the game 16/1

"High and mighty" - Peter Crouch to score with a header 9/2
"The Real deal" - Beckham to score a penalty 6/1
"Magic Lamp" - Frank Lampard to score two or more goals 8/1
"Stevie Wonder" - Gerrard to score two or more goals 11/1
"Cole, mine" - Joe Cole to score two or more goals 14/1
"Close encounters of the Ferd kind" - Rio Ferdinand to be booked
4/1
"Terry, towel in" - John Terry to be sent off 50/1
"Sol destroying" - Campbell to score two or more goals 50/1
"Luke, warm" - Luke Young to score at any time 12/1
"Put your Scouse in order" - Jamie Carragher to be booked 5/2

Quote of the week:

"Fergie for England"
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is obviously missing a marble or two.

Stat, you're a liberty:

Only Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, the Faroe's and San Marino have collected
fewer points than the Welsh in European World Cup qualifying.

Bet of the week:

Wales
Belgium
Switzerland

The treble will pay almost 40/1.

Weekend Betting:

Northern Ireland v Wales Saturday 8th October 14.00
Live on BBC2

Northern Ireland 5/4
Draw 11/5
Wales 7/4

Get on: Wales

The Welsh are a better team than their recent form suggests. At 7/4,
they're the value bet of the week.
Match Special:
Hartson to score the first goal 6/1

Scotland v Belarus Saturday 8th October 15.00
Live on Sky

Scotland 8/15
Draw 12/5
Belarus 9/2

Get on: Draw

Belarus are no mugs, they've scored four goals against Italy in this
group; score draw.
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 11/2

England v Austria Saturday 8th October 16.00
Live on BBC1

England 1/5
Draw 4/1
Austria 10/1

Get on: England

Sven's men must win to keep their chances of topping the group alive;
they will.
Match Special:
Gerrard and Lampard both to score 10/1

Cyprus v Ireland Saturday 8th October 18.00 Live on
Sky

Cyprus 8/1
Draw 4/1
Ireland 2/9

Get on: Ireland

The Cypriots haven't been outclassed in this group; they're yet to
concede more than three goals in a game. A safe 2-0 win for the Irish.
Match Special:
Ireland to win 2-0 11/2

Belgium v Spain Saturday 8th October 19.45 Live on
Eurosport

Belgium 11/5
Draw 11/5
Spain Evs

Get on: Belgium

A must win game for both teams, with home advantage and 11/5 available;
the value lies with the hosts.
Match Special:
Spain to have a player sent off 7/1

Switzerland v France Saturday 8th October 19.45

Switzerland 10/3
Draw 11/5
France 8/11

Get on: Switzerland

It's eight matches unbeaten in one of the toughest groups for the Swiss;
they're obviously on a roll. Apologies.
Match Special:
Switzerland to win 1-0 7/1

Bolivia v Brazil Sunday 9th October 21.00
Live on Bravo

Bolivia 10/3
Draw 12/5
Brazil 4/6

Get on: Brazil

The Bolivians are the whipping boys of the South American group, Brazil
could well go nuts.
Match Special:
Ronaldinho to score the first goal 5/1