Opta Stats: Rooney to silence all of his captaincy critics

Wayne Rooney scored in his first match as new England captain

Michael Lintorn has studied the Opta stats to offer above-evens bets for each home nation's opening Euro 2016 qualifier...

Georgia v Republic of Ireland (Sunday, 17:00, Sky Sports 5)

Republic of Ireland have won all five of their previous encounters with Georgia

Georgia and Republic of Ireland's experience of one another is all recent, with every meeting taking place since 2003, including two in World Cup 2010 qualifying and a 4-0 Boys in Green friendly victory last year. Opta add that Martin O'Neill's men opened their past three qualifying campaigns with wins.

Recommended Bet: Back Republic of Ireland to win @ 2.47/5

Hungary v Northern Ireland (Sunday, 17:00, Sky Sports 3)

Northern Ireland have lost all four of their previous internationals against Hungary

Opta further doom Michael O'Neill's side to failure by noting that they were unable to find the net in three of those four head-to-heads, a trait that also blighted them in each of their four friendly outings since November. Hungary defeated their last three visitors to Budapest without conceding.

Recommended Bet: Back Hungary to win to nil @ 2.1211/10

Germany v Scotland (Sunday, 19:45, Sky Sports 5)

Scotland's last match against Germany was a 1-2 loss in September 2003

The Opta breakdown of Germany and Scotland's previous encounters shows them to be surprisingly well-matched, with 15 clashes delivering six Germany triumphs, four for Scotland and five draws. The Brits notched in each of the latest three, with three of the last seven finishing 2-1 to the world champions.

Recommended Bet: Back Germany to win 2-1 @ 11.010/1

Switzerland v England (Monday, 19:45, ITV)

Wayne Rooney has scored in each of his last four away international appearances

The media consensus after England's friendly win over Norway was that the new captain was more hindrance than help to the Three Lions' attacking play, but such analysis overlooks that he grabbed the game's only goal, much as he scored one and created the other of their two at the World Cup. With Daniel Sturridge out injured, Rooney's contribution may be appreciated more in Switzerland.

Best Bet: Back Rooney to score @ 4.216/5

Andorra v Wales (Tuesday, 19:45, Sky Sports 5)

Wales have gone 33 competitive games without netting more than twice

Andorra are master minnows, losing their most recent 44 tournament qualifiers, though that doesn't stop under 2.5 goals from being delicious value at above evens. There is minimal danger of them striking - their last competitive home goal came five years ago - yet they limited 11 of their past 17 qualifying guests to two goals or less, including Netherlands, England, Russia (twice) and Croatia.

Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.466/4