Ecuador look big value to see off Chile

Outside of Europe a number of crucial World Cup qualifiers take place this week here is our guide to the best of the bets from these games.

The fifth and final first leg of the African play-offs gets underway on Tuesday afternoon (17:00) and is a battle between two of the powerhouses, Ghana and Egypt. It is the Black Stars who are at home in the opening game and Bookmakers make them the 19/20 (betway) favourites while the draw is a 12/5 (GENERAL) chance and an Egypt win is 19/5 (BETVICTOR).

The last seven Egypt games have featured a total of 21 goals which is an average of three per game while the last four Ghana games have seen a total of 12 goals, again an average of three. The over 2.5 goals then looks to be the way to play this especially if you consider the high scoring games we have had so far so take the generous 3/2 with ladbrokes.

Argentina and Colombia are the two South American sides (and of course hosts Brazil) who have booked their place in Brazil 2014 and you can back Argentina at 21/4 (sportingbet) for the World Cup while the Colombians could be value outsiders at 33/1 (CORAL). Two automatic slots remain and one play-off position for the teams for this continent and it will all come down to the four remaining games. It is clear that Ecudar, Chile and Uruguay will occupy spots three, four and five all that remains is to work out who gets the two automatic slots and who is forced into the play-offs.

Ecuador and Chile are both on 25 points while Uruguay are on 22. The first two sides are scheduled to meet which could explain why the draw is priced at 8/11 (betfred/paddy Power). The home side Chile are 13/8 (SKYBET/TOTESPORT) while the visiting Ecuador side are 11/1 (888 SPORT/unibet). I actually think rather than the draw Ecuador could be worth a little interest. It has been shown over the course of the qualifying that nothing can seperate these two sides so odds of 11/1 (888 SPORT/unibet) seem crazy. It is not a bet to put a lot on but with the security of knowing that Uruguay would need to beat Argentina by three goals to even trouble these sides then this game might not be the nailed on draw bookmakers think. 11/ 1 between sides of a similar ability looks far too generous.

In CONCACAF the United States and Costa Rica have already secured the two automatic slots with the battle coming down to Honduras and Mexico for the third automatic slot with the side who misses out going into a play-off with New Zealand. Bookmakers make Mexico 21/20 (BETVICTOR/william hill) to get the three points they need when take on Costa Rica. Despite the need to win these three points I can not be siding with them at these prices especially as they have won just one of their last four World Cup qualifiers away from home.

The bet then could be on the 8/5 (bet365) on Javier Hernandez to net at anytime as he is set to lead the forward line of the Mexicans and was on penalty duty at the weekend. If Honduras want to automatically qualify then they must take a point away to Jamaica and they are 13/10 (paddy Power) for all three and 9/4 (GENERAL) the solitary point.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Ecuador to beat Chile, 11/1 (888 SPORT/unibet)
SILVER: Javier Hernandez to score anytime v Costa Rica, 8/5 (bet365)
BRONZE: Over 2.5 goals between Ghana and Egypt, 3/2 (ladbrokes)

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17/10/2013     © Frixo 2026