Here's a couple of more digestible previews for the remaining 2 play-off matches:
Ukraine v Greece
Ukraine's play-off record is horrible: played 6, won 0, drawn 3, lost 3. By all accounts, Saturday's 0-0 was a turgid affair- both teams will know that they will have to sharpen up in attack if they want to qualify. These two actually have previous: they met in qualifying campaigns for EURO 2004 and Germany 2006, with Ukraine having a slight edge. However, Greece's Fanis Gekas will surely not be as profilgate as he was on Saturday (along with Edin Dzeko and Wayne Rooney, he was one of the top scorers during qualifying), and he may just be the man to nick a goal for Greece to take them to South Africa.
Betting: Greece to win outright- best price 4/1 @ Coral
Fanis Gekas anytime scorer- best price 7/2 @ extrabet
Slovenia v Russia
A late goal for Slovenia on Saturday gives them a real chance to have a go at Russia tonight. Slovenia's qualifying record at home was pretty solid- 12 goals scored, only 1 conceded, as they won 4 and drew 1 of 5 qualifiers. They also have a decent record in the play-offs, qualifying on 2 out of 3 attempts in the play-offs. However, this writer looks at Russia and still sees too much individual talent and a strong team (with Guus Hiddink in charge, they're always going to be competitive), and therefore, after also considering the struggles of teams who lose 1st legs, Russia should progress.
Betting: Russia to win outright- best price 13/10 at Stan James
Under 3.5 goals- best price 2/9 at Paddy Power
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