World Cup Qualifiers: Russia and Germany battle for top honors in Group 4

Moscow , Russia – The most anticipated clash of the World Cup qualifiers set to kick off on Saturday is the billing between Russia and Germany. Germany currently lead Group 4 with 22 points, a point clear of second place Russia. Germany are undefeated in eight qualifying matches, going 7-1-0 and they will look to continue the positive run at Luzhniki Stadium in Russia.

Russia aim to shock Germany on Saturday and assume control of Group 4 but they will be going against the soccer betting trend in the market. Russia are second in Group 4 after hauling 21 points with a 7-0-1 mark – ironically, their only loss came to Germany in Westfaenstadion, Dortmund last October.

Soccer Betting Line:

Russia pk -135 +135 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +225 Germany pk +115 +175 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +225
Match Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time Saturday October 9, 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: In many circles, Germany stack up as the favourites to win top spot in this group, yet interestingly, the market is not leaning towards Germany securing top spot in Moscow at the weekend.

Germany enter this match marginally long, tipped at +175 to win outright, to Russia at +135. The bookies are not sure they can hold their own in Russia after all. They are undefeated and they have a tradition of excellence on big stages so you might want to pound those odds regardless.

Gus Hiddink has done wonders with Russia’s national team – not for nothing did they hire him. Russia has emerged as one of the leading national teams in Europe and many believe they will book their ticket to South Africa one way or another. If not by winning top spot, surely, in the playoffs they will.

Russian supporters will be looking to Arshavin to lead their nation to victory. The way the kid has been playing for Arsenal and for his national team, you almost want to believe he would accomplish the feat singlehandedly. Naturally, he was the only goal scorer for his side in their 2:1 loss to Germany earlier in the qualifying rounds. His goal in the 51’ minute gave Russia hope after Germany took the 2-0 lead before half time. Alas, it didn’t amount to much.

This time around, Russia will have home edge though and as they have been impressive in Luzhniki Stadium, it is not improbable for the home side to win even against one of the most feared national teams in Europe, Germany,
Free Soccer Picks: Russia +135 Over 2.5 -105