The Safety Net: Leave England alone and back Swiss at U21 level

England are in under-21 action again tonight in a friendly with Israel at Barnsley’s Oakwell and it is a Euro 2013 qualifier at the same age level that is the focus of today’s safety net bet.

The fact that England have only won two of their last five home matches at under-21 level does not inspire confidence, while the likes of Jordan Henderson and Josh McEachran have been allowed to leave the squad.

These facts make England a slightly risky tip, particularly as Israel only just failed to qualify for the under-21s Euro 2011 earlier this summer and are certainly no pushovers.

So on a day of little sport, the safety net bet turns its attentions to the Euro 2013 qualifier between Switzerland and Croatia.

Switzerland were beaten in the Euro 2011 final by Spain earlier this summer, but could only kick-off their Euro 2013 qualifying campaign with a frustrating draw away in Estonia.

The Swiss did dominate this Group Five encounter and did everything but score in the 0-0 draw, having close to 20 shots at goal in the 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, Croatia endured a nightmare start in losing 1-0 at home to a Georgia team, who has since lost on their own patch 7-2 to Spain.

Based on these results and Switzerland’s strong displays earlier this summer, they should have far too much for a travelling Croatia and can collect their first win in Group Five.

Switzerland’s odds are 5/6 to beat Croatia and to fulfil the aims of the safety net bet we will be staking £24 on this result.

Current Status
Bank: £369
Today’s stake: £24
Best case scenario: £389
Worst case scenario: £345

Last Safety Net bet: Maria Sharapova to beat Flavia Pennetta @ 1/4

Wealth warning: although we are confident the safety net bet’s strategy will be profitable over a period of time, the nature of sport means we cannot guarantee you will win every single time.