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Tuesday 21 March 2017

England versus Lithuania, Sunday, March 26

England remain unbeaten at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group F and are long odds-on (1/8) to beat Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday as Gareth Southgate begins his tenure as permanent manager. Even without the injured trio of Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney, the Three Lions should, repeat should, have too many guns for a side that was thumped 4-0 in Slovakia in its last qualifying match. However, despite two wins and a draw in their last three competitive matches, England remain unconvincing under Southgate and anyone who views this tie as an exercise in buying money could be in for a nervous 90 minutes. England may well win, albeit unconvincingly, once again, but it’s hard to imagine them scoring a hatful, so let’s go with Lithuania +3 in the handicap market at 4/5 with Sky Bet.

Selection: Lithuania +3 (4/5 with Sky Bet)

Monday 6 March 2017

Liverpool versus Burnley, Sunday, March 12

Burnley have lost just one of their last eight Premier League matches at Turf Moor, but taken just a single point from their last eight away matches. In fact, the Clarets are without a win away from home all season and, unsurprisingly, massive outsiders (17.0 with Betfair Sportsbook) to win at Anfield on Sunday.

By contrast, Liverpool have won five and drawn two of their last eight matches at Anfield and thoroughly deserved their 3-1 over Arsenal last Saturday. However, before you pile into the Reds at long odds-on (1.25 with BetBright), remember that Liverpool, although unbeaten against the current top six this season, have lost to Leicester City, Hull City and Swansea City since the turn of the year.

In fairness to Burnley, they conceded a 92nd-minute goal against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium last Saturday, played most of the match with ten men against Watford, conceded a 98th-minute penalty at Arsenal and went toe-to-toe with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, eventually losing each of those matches by the odd goal. Sean Dyche’s side deserves a change of luck and, at a huge price, Sunday could be their day.

Selection: Burnley to win (17.0 with Betfair Sportsbook)