Montenegro vs England: Preview World Cup 2014 Qualifier
VERSUS
Stadion Pod Goricom — Podgorica
After thrashing San Marino 8-0, England turn their attention to top of the table Montenegro. A win here will put England in prime position to qualify for next year's event, and a win for Montenegro would cement their position at the top of the group. A lot is at stake here as the two lock horns. Here is the probable line up, Men to Watch and prediction for this one.
England
England go in to this one full of confidence and belief after scoring 8 goals past San Marino. San Marino are no world beaters but still at this level scoring 8 against any opposition should be applauded. But against a decent side like Montenegro England has to play up to their maximum potential to get a result.
Probable Line up
Hart, Lescott, Smalling, Baines, Walker, Parker, Gerrard, Young, Cleverely, Chamberlain, Rooney
With no real defensive cover available to Hodgson apart from young Caulker, the defensive line up should remain the same. Frank Lampard will not play as he played the entire 90 against San Marino, and Gerrard might slip in along side a returning Parker. The trio of Cleverly, Young, and Chamberlain looked outstanding in their previous game and in behind Rooney, all three will enjoy a lot of success.
With a lot of attention being circulated around Rooney and his discipline, you can not ignore the fact that if rattled Rooney might produce a moment of 'madness' especially when wearing an England shirt. It will be another test for young Smalling and for Lescott, he needs to perform to have any chance of forcing his way back into the starting line up for Manchester City.
Men to Watch:
Ashley Young
He is a fantastic young talent, but some times his antics overshadow his potential. He needs to produce quality displays as he did last time to stamp his place down in the England setup and make himself a regular. He will definitely enjoy his time against the Montenegro full-backs and I am backing him to produce another good performance.
Tom Cleverly
This lad has it all to succeed at the top level. Composed, Hard working, Willing and intelligent he is the future for England and these games have come at the right time for him. He is enjoying a good run of form in the United starting line up and now he has brought that form in for his national side.
Montenegro
They will be looking for a draw to keep hold of their top position in the table, as that would benefit them a lot in the latter stages of qualifying. They have not lost in their last 5 games and are looking a solid unit. Futhermore, the last time they conceded was back in September last year in the 2-2 draw against Poland. Their defence, though, will be tested against a full of confidence England side.
Probable Line up
Bozovic, Zverotic, Basa, Savic, Paviecivic, Vladimir Bozovic, Volkov, Pekovic, Kasalica, Vucinic, Jovetic
Montenegro must be looking for their forwards for inspiration. Although they have kept clean sheets their forward line has been very good in the previous games and if they need to get something out of this one, Vucinic and Jovetic need to grab some goals.
Men To Watch:
Mirko Vucinic
Captain has to lead the team well here and if he gets into his groove, he will cause enough havoc for the England team. Also, England's defense was rarely tested against San Marino and he will be looking to rattle them early on.
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