NJ's Football Friday

By Nishant Joshi

As mentioned previously, I am finding it hard to get too enthused over this World Cup. The quality of football has been nothing short of atrocious, with hardly any goals, let alone memorable ones. Too many vuvuzelas, and not enough va-va-voom.

England vs Algeria



18th June 19:30 GMT
ITV 18:30-21:45

After a lacklustre 1-1 against USA, England need a win against Algeria to put them at the top of the group, which will be critical for their chances in the next round, unless Capello is desperate for penalty shoot-out heartbreak against Germany. The performance against USA was disjointed and highlighted by Robert Green's catastrophic blunder. Green can be forgiven for making one mistake in the tournament although I fear for his career if he makes another one. I have been quite disappointed with Capello's management regarding the issue, stating that he doesn't know who will start in goal today. It fills neither Green, James nor Hart with any sense of approval and I feel for whoever bears the huge burden in goal.

Algeria are a generally leaky side but I expect England to start off fairly slowly, so HT/FT draw/England has excellent appeal @ 4.6.

Slovenia vs USA



18th June 15:00 GMT
BBC1 14:45-17:15

As mentioned in my preview for USA vs England, I strongly fancy USA as a very compact and efficient side, and they have the potential to be dark horses in this tournament. As such, I'm quite happy to back them against a Slovenian team who lacked inspiration vs Algeria and scraped through in the end. Although I'm not going to be tipping too many goalscorers in what looks to be a tight tournament, Clint Dempsey is probably USA's greatest threat in front of goal and represents excellent value at 4.7.

NJ's Bets:

HT/FT draw/England - 3pts @ 4.6 (Betfair)

USA to beat Slovenia -0.25 Asian Handicap - 4pts @ 1.85 (Bet365)

Clint Dempsey to score anytime - 2.25pts @ 4.7 (Betfair)

Nishant Joshi