Lee Carsley’s England face Greece on Thursday in Athens, needing a win to stay in Group B2 contention after Greece’s Wembley victory last month put them three points ahead with two games left. In addition to our complete Greece vs England match preview, our experts have also crafted a huge 28/1 bet builder tip to make the most of the betting opportunities.
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England to Lead at Half-Time and Win at Full-Time
Backing England to lead at both half-time and full-time in this match against Greece could be a wise selection. England, though recovering from a setback in their last encounter with Greece, are expected to come out with determination. Historically, the Three Lions respond well to pressure, particularly after a defeat, and their squad is known for its ability to control the tempo from the first whistle. Key players like Harry Kane are integral here, with his goal-scoring prowess adding an edge to England’s attacking line. Kane’s positioning and instincts in the box could be pivotal in dismantling Greece’s defensive structure early on, which, although solid, is not invulnerable.
Greece have relied heavily on a disciplined, physical style, but England’s rapid offensive unit may well exploit any lapses in the Greek defence. With players like Jude Bellingham and Conor Gallagher in midfield, England can dictate play and restrict Greece’s forward momentum. If England secure an early goal, Greece would need to push forward, opening themselves up further, which could be advantageous for England’s counter-attacking options. Expert Herrin Kendrick predicts a strong start from England: “After their recent defeat, England will look to set the tone early, and once they are ahead, they have the quality to maintain that lead until the end.”
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Reasoning Backing England to lead at half-time and win reflects their determination after recent setbacks, while Greece’s physical style increases their card risk. Both teams’ scoring capabilities enhance BTTS appeal. | |
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Both Teams to Score
Both teams finding the net seems likely given the dynamics of this encounter. England’s defensive vulnerabilities have been apparent recently, and Greece, particularly with their strong home support, have proven capable of capitalising on such lapses. Greece’s attacking strength lies in their ability to break on the counter and utilise set pieces effectively, both of which could trouble England’s backline. Anastasios Bakasetas, positioned just behind Greece’s striker, has been especially impactful, adding a reliable route to goal in Greece’s recent matches.
England, on the other hand, are not lacking in firepower. The combination of Kane’s lethal finishing and the creative support of Bellingham and Cole Palmer in midfield gives England a formidable edge. Given Greece’s likelihood to open up if they fall behind, England should find opportunities to stretch their advantage, especially if Greece push forward in pursuit of a comeback. A 3-1 scoreline in favour of England reflects this back-and-forth nature, with Greece managing to find the net at least once, though ultimately outclassed by England’s superior attacking options.
Anastasios Bakasetas to Score
Anastasios Bakasetas could be a smart pick to score for Greece in this match. The experienced Panathinaikos midfielder, positioned as the creative force behind the striker, has showcased his goal-scoring abilities throughout this Nations League campaign. With 16 international goals under his belt, Bakasetas has become a reliable offensive option, recently scoring against the Republic of Ireland. Notably, he also shoulders penalty-taking responsibilities, which adds another dimension to his goal-scoring potential.
Additionally, Bakasetas’s knack for providing assists adds further weight to his threat level, as he has been involved in numerous scoring opportunities for Greece. Against a team like England, Bakasetas’s set-piece skills and positioning in the attacking third will be crucial, especially if Greece aim to capitalise on any lapses in England’s defence. With Greece potentially finding themselves in need of a goal, Bakasetas is likely to play a significant role in their attacking moves, making him a solid candidate to get on the scoresheet.
Manolis Siopis to Receive a Card
Given the intensity anticipated in this match, backing Manolis Siopis to pick up a yellow card is a well-grounded choice. With the suspension of Dimitrios Kourbelis, another holding midfielder, Siopis may find himself assuming additional defensive responsibilities. Greece’s tactical approach, which often relies on physicality to disrupt opponents, puts players like Siopis at increased risk of bookings. In fact, one of Greece’s defensive midfielders has been carded in three of their four Nations League games so far, with Siopis himself receiving a yellow in the recent clash with Ireland.
His role as an enforcer in the midfield may require him to commit fouls to thwart England’s quick transitions, particularly against skilful players like Bellingham. Given England’s pace and technical ability in the middle of the park, Siopis could be compelled to intervene aggressively to contain them, heightening his chances of receiving a card in this fixture.
Greece to Receive the Most Cards
Choosing Greece to collect more cards than England in this contest is based on both teams’ recent disciplinary trends. In their previous Nations League face-off at Wembley, Greece picked up four cards compared to England’s two. Greece have consistently accumulated more bookings than their opponents across all four of their group matches, underlining their reliance on physicality and defensive interruptions. Their approach often disrupts the flow of the game and attracts the referee’s attention.
In contrast, England have maintained a relatively clean disciplinary record, amassing only four cards across the same number of games and avoiding any bookings entirely in two matches. Greece’s anticipated need to defend in numbers against England’s fast-paced play suggests they may need to resort to fouls to limit England’s progression, increasing their likelihood of receiving the majority of cards in this encounter.
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