SPORTS BETTING: Take Luton to find winning form

They have not made the greatest start, but Luton (8-11 with Coral and the Tote), favourites to win the Second Division at the start of the season should be too strong for Southend at home this evening.

Wednesday's World Cup qualifiers offer a mix of value propositions and bankers. Israel have a better chance at Bulgaria than the betting suggests and it would be no surprise to seem them force a draw (4-1 with the Tote). Northern Ireland, however, face a tough task at home to Germany (8-13 with Ladbrokes and the Tote).

Portugal (1-6 with Ladbrokes) should make short work of Armenia and the Republic Of Ireland (2-5 Hills) can brush side Lithuania.

Macedonia are a better side than they are given credit for and might force a draw (9-2 with the Tote) in Romania but Turkey (8-15 Coral and William hill) deserve to be long odds-on to beat beleaguered Wales. Finally, Ukraine (1-5 Ladbrokes) are bankers to beat Albania and are useful fodder for bumping up the returns on multiple bets.

Team C H L T

Luton 8-11 4-6 4-6 8-11

Draw 9-4 12-5 12-5 9-4

Southend 10-3 7-2 7-2 10-3

Bulgaria 1-4 4-11 2-7 2-9

Draw 7-2 11-4 10-3 4-1

Israel 9-1 7-1 8-1 8-1

N Ireland 5-1 11-2 4-1 4-1

Draw 5-2 9-4 9-4 9-4

Germany 1-2 1-2 8-13 8-13

Portugal 1-7 1-7 1-6 1-7

Draw 5-1 9-2 4-1 9-2

Armenia 12-1 14-1 14-1 14-1

Rep of Ire 4-11 2-5 3-10 2-7

Draw 3-1 11-4 3-1 4-1

Lithuania 6-1 6-1 8-1 7-1

Romania 1-5 1-4 1-5 1-6

Draw 4-1 7-2 4-1 9-2

Macedonia 10-1 9-1 10-1 10-1

Turkey 8-15 8-15 4-9 1-2

Draw 5-2 5-2 13-5 13-5

Wales 9-2 9-2 11-2 5-1

Ukraine 1-8 1-8 1-5 1-7

Draw 5-1 9-2 7-2 5-1

Albania 14-1 16-1 14-1 11-1

C - Coral, H - William Hill, L - Ladbrokes, T - Tote