Poland didn’t set the world alight at Euro 2012 on home soil but are usually excellent in front of their own supporters and face co-hosts Ukraine on Friday night in Warsaw.
It has been a decent start to World Cup 2014 qualifying for Poland and they remain unbeaten after three matches in Group H.
A draw on opening night in Montenegro could prove an extremely valuable point come October and likewise the 1-1 score line achieved against England last time out was thoroughly deserved.
The Three Lions were somewhat fortunate to earn a stalemate, Kamil Glik equalising Wayne Rooney’s opener, and there was no mistake in between when Poland readily brushed aside Moldova.
There is genuine quality in this current Polish team and coach Waldemar Fornalik will once again ask the excellent Robert Lewandowski to lead the line.
Lewandowski, set for a summer move to Bayern Munich, is among Europe’s very best strikers but Poland are far from a one-team and they can make home advantage count.
While the Poles are very much in the shake-up for at least a play-off place, it has been sluggish start from Ukraine and they are already up against it to line up in Brazil.
Just one goal scored and two points gained from their opening three fixtures has left Ukraine with plenty to do and their goalless draw in Moldova was thoroughly disappointing.
This is not a great Ukrainian side, far from it, and new coach Andriy Bal has an almighty task on his hands to haul them back into contention.
Needing three points on Friday night, I expect Ukraine to be fairly positive despite their natural defensive tendencies and that should play into the hands of Poland.
The hosts are potentially lethal on the break with the likes of Lewandoski supported by Borussia Dortmund teammate Jakub Blaszczykowski and it is just one defeat in 14 home matches for Poland.
That reversal came at the hands of a talented Uruguay side in a friendly last November and, at odds against, Poland look a decent bet to me.
3pts Back Poland (vs. Ukraine) @ 2.20 (various)