Against All Odds: Bank on goals in Switzerland

Can Raheem Sterling be England's saviour?

The Three Lions begin their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in Switzerland this evening and while Paul Robinson isn't sure which way the result will go, he's confident of there being goals. 

Switzerland v England
Monday September 8, 19:45 BST
Live on ITV 1

Switzerland were tipped as potential dark horses for the World Cup in the summer and while they were unlucky to exit in the last 16 at the hands of Argentina, they weren't overly impressive in the group phase.

Vladimir Petkovi has since replaced the outgoing, Ottmar Hitzfeld, and the former Lazio boss is taking charge of his first game tonight as they skipped a potential friendly last week. 

The Swiss had an excellent defensive record during their qualifying campaign for Brazil 2014 but it's worth noting that their three group games at the tournament itself all finished with three goals or more. A further consideration is that Lazio's matches averaged 2.84 goals last term - the seventh highest in Serie A.

England are at a very low ebb at the moment as after a dismal World Cup campaign that saw them exit after only two games, they put in a laboured performance in a 1-0 success over Norway at Wembley on Wednesday.

Roy Hodgson's men struggled to break down the visitors but the difference tonight is that their opponents won't be as defensive. That should help Raheem Sterling use his pace to more effect and while Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out through injury, that could end up helping Wayne Rooney if he's deployed as the main striker.

If you watched England last week you wouldn't be overly confident of this selection but this is a different game under totally different circumstances. The odds of under 2.5 goals are just far too short, which is why, at around the 1.594/7 mark, I have to make it my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay Under 2.5 goals in Switzerland v England @ 1.594/7

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 241 pts
Returned: 249.25 pts
P/L: + 8.25 pts (after commission)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)