World Cup qualifiers

Joe Saumarez Smith`s expert picks for World Cup qualifiers, weekend of 8 and 9 October 2005

I don`t normally have any bets on World Cup qualifiers but two games stand out to me as decent bets this weekend.

The first is to have a one point bet on Holland off level at 2.06. Both sides will be playing with all their might but the Czech Republic have massive injury problems and will be effectively playing a second team. Looking at how badly weakened their side is, it is clear the bookies have not yet compensated enough for the news and this is a decent wager.

Another bet on team news is to have a two point bet on Costa Rica off level at 1.86 against the United States. The US have already qualified for the World Cup and it is clear they have decided not to take any of their 20 best players to central America. Costa Rica are a good side and desperately need to win this game and the bookies look not to have taken into account the circumstances of this fixture and this is therefore a good betting opportunity.

On other games I am happy not to risk my money.