SLOVENIA vs ENGLAND >>> Match Preview

GERRARD : TOO MUCH AT STAKE FOR A DRAW

IT'S DO OR DIE

Slovenia were not expected to create major waves at this tournament but so assuredly have they gone about their business that they find themselves in a position to create history for their country. England, on the other hand, are trying to avoid history because you have to go all the way back to 1958 for the last time they failed to advance from the initial group phase of a FIFA World Cup in which they were participating.

In only their second FIFA World Cup, Slovenia gained new admirers with a competent dismissal of Algeria in their first game. They then put themselves in with a great chance of taking maximum points from two games when they led USA 2-0 only to be rocked by the force of the Americans' recovery which earned them a point.

After two disappointing England performances it is crunch time for Fabio Capello and his squad with this game deciding if they are to stay on at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ or rather return home on Thursday with their tails between their legs. Slovenia are in a far healthier position and know that a draw will be enough to carry them into the knockout rounds for the first time at a major tournament.

Players to watch

Milivoje Novakovic v John Terry

Slovenia's leading scorer in qualifying, Milivoje Novakovic is without a goal to his name so far at South Africa 2010 and, with only a single shot in two games, he will be anxious to get off the mark at the third time of asking. Novakovic will do battle with John Terry who finds himself with a third different central defensive partner at this tournament following injury to Ledley King and the suspension of Jamie Carragher. That is one problem Terry has to deal with. The other is the controversy that has submerged him since the draw with Algeria and his subsequent comments that he intented to initiate a team discussion with Capello about where England were going wrong. In the end it was Capello who reasserted his authority over his former captain, leaving a contrite Terry to apologise to him and the squad.

Key Battle:

Marko Suler v Wayne Rooney

For nearly 50 minutes against the USA, Suler looked composed and comfortable snuffing out any attacking surges with good positioning and committed aerial play. However, as the Slovenians sat back, they were more exposed and Suler's influence waned. He will find Rooney a far tougher prospect that other strikers in the group but the Manchester United man has failed to find the back of the net in over 10 hours of action for England. Rooney's form for his country is the subject of much debate in the English media, as is his temperament for the big occasion, but if the Three Lions have any hopes of qualifying they will need him back at his best.

Prediction

England surely can't be as bad they were against Algeria and knowing they have to win could be the spark they need to get the result. Nothing else is good enough.

THE PICK

ASIAN HANDICAP ODDS

Take ENGLAND give 1 1/4 >>> SLOVENIA (Main Bet)

FIXED ODDS

Take ENGLANG 2 - 0 CORRECT SCORE (Small Fun Bet)

Take ENGLAND 3 - 1 CORRECT SCORE (Small Fun Bet)

Odds Centre >>> www.asianbookie.com