Germany vs Sweden: Back Reus to make his mark against struggling Swedes

Germany's Marco Reus is in sensational form

Germany are looking to make it four wins in four World Cup qualifiers against Sweden in Berlin, and Kevin Hatchard thinks in-form Marco Reus can give them a helping hand.

Germany vs Sweden, World Cup 2014 Qualifying, Tue 19:45 BST

Match Odds: Germany 1.292/7, Sweden 14.013/1, the draw 6.25/1

After the disappointment of yet another near-miss at EURO 2012, Germany have rebounded in typically resilient style by taking the maximum nine points from their three World Cup 2014 qualifiers. A modest 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands was followed by a creditable 2-1 victory in Austria, and Friday's 6-1 demolition of Giovanni Trappatoni's Republic of Ireland was a fearsome display of attacking power. Outstanding Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus netted a first-half double, and he's enjoying some of the best form of his career (four goals and an assist in seven Bundesliga games). Playmaker Toni Kroos is playing the finest football of his short career, and the Bayern Munich star (who came on as a half-time substitute) also bagged a brace against the hapless Irish.

While Germany are sparkling, Sweden have made a tame and unimpressive start to the qualification campaign. Erik Hamren's side laboured to a 2-0 home win against Kazakhstan (the second goal only came deep into stoppage-time), and on Friday they had to come from behind to win 2-1 at the Faroe Islands. With 25 minutes to go Sweden were 1-0 down, and they were only spared an embarrassing failure by goals from Alex Kacaniklic and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Perhaps the most alarming statistic from the game is that Sweden only had 50% possession, which means they had no decisive control of a match against one of Europe's weakest sides.

Germany are a prohibitive 1.292/7 to win the match, and while I'm convinced Jogi Low's side will emerge victorious, value must be found elsewhere. Backing Germany/Germany in the HT/FT market has paid out in each of Germany's last three games, and this time it's trading at 1.84/5. The loss of Sami Khedira to injury is offset by the return from suspension of skipper Philipp Lahm, and there are plenty of in-form candidates to replace Khedira in midfield.

There may be some value in the First Goalscorer market. Reus was taken off early in the second half against Ireland, and it's widely thought this was to give him plenty of rest before this game. Reus has been a first-team regular since EURO 2012, and he has scored three goals in his last two qualifiers. Reus scored the first goal of the game against both Austria and Ireland, and he is 5.14/1 to be First Goalscorer against Sweden. Against a ponderously slow Swedish rearguard, I think Reus has a great chance of being the first name on the scoresheet.

Recommended Bets: Back Germany/Germany in the HT/FT market at 1.84/5

Back Marco Reus to be First Goalscorer at 5.14/1