The third edition of the Nations League is well under way. With four matchdays already played, Matchday 5 is in full swing this weekend, with one last matchday to go ahead of the finals in June 2023.
Thursday 22 September
47/20 Poland | Draw 22/10 | Netherlands 1/1 (20:45)
The Netherlands is slowly but surely regaining their previous persona around being a major player on the grandest stage of them all. Their identity is clear, their players are being bought and sold by the big wigs around Europe and their coaches are having impacts wherever they go!
Poland isn’t exactly all they used to be – I’m all over this even price opportunity on the visitors.
14/10 Croatia | Draw 19/10 | Denmark 19/10 (20:45)
This is a tricky game to call. Denmark have put together positive performances and gone on a bit of a run – but it was Croatia who were responsible for their only defeat of their last five outings.
Croatia haven’t exactly blown teams away, winning 1-0 more than they might have liked, but I appreciate those sorts of gritty performances. I can’t justify going against the home side – but for my money I’m on the under 2.5 goals at 6/10.
7/20 France | Draw 33/10 | Austria 6/1 (20:45)
France have been disappointing of late. The players that make up this national side should be absolutely slating teams – and yet they are yet to win a single game since March against South Africa.
Austria haven’t been brilliant themselves, but they will make it difficult for their hosts. There is a plenty of value about the visiting side and I think they can get something out of this game. At 33/20, I’m on the Win/Draw Double Chance for Austria.
4/10 Belgium | Draw 31/10 | Wales 6/1 (20:00)
Belgium should be a banker here. They always seem to be a side who don’t necessarily dominate the press or media space and almost go under the radar until we remember the sort of players they have!
Wales should have a tough time matching up to the home side, and at 4/10 I’m happy to have the punt and move on…don’t fight it, just join in.
Friday 23 September
1/4 Germany | Draw 4/1 | Hungary 9/1 (20:45)
I know this game is being played in Germany, the team likely to represent the host nation is likely to be completely different and the nature around these international game’s changes ever so slightly (especially as we get closer to the World Cup).
Hungary is no slouch however, they thrashed England 4-0, drawn 1-1 with Germany and all the while stuck to their footballing approach. Compact shape and deadly counter attacks. I don’t think I’m man enough to take on Germany at home, but both teams scoring at 5/4 might just tickle my fancy enough to be interested.
12/10 Finland | Draw 39/20 | Romania 21/10 (20:45)
It’s the sort of game which just fleshes out the article – but you know you want to throw a couple coins at this game as well! Neither side can keep a clean sheet for jam…and whilst I’m not then suggesting that they are scoring machines – there are obvious deficiencies around their defensive muster.
Over 2.5 should see us through at 21/20.
Saturday 24 September
11/10 Northern Ireland | Draw 39/20 | Kosovo 47/20 (18:00)
The last time these two locked horns there were goals galore! Kosovo ran out 3-2 winners that time in a thrilling affair which highlighted the extent of the issues at Ireland.
I think Kosovo can get something out of this one as well, but you’ve got to include both teams scoring! Win/draw double on the visitors and both scoring at 2/1 is a must.
9/20 Spain | Draw 28/10 | Switzerland 54/10 (20:45)
Switzerland would have appreciated their narrow 1-0 victory against Portugal last time out, I mean surely! Their run before that result was becoming slightly alarming so I’m intrigued to see the difference in mentality.
Spain is slowly but surely going about their business in a completely professional manner. They we’ll win this.
1/1 Serbia | Draw 2/1 | Sweden 51/20 (20:45)
Serbia have been largely inconsistent, but Sweden is barely a shadow of their former selves. They are not just being beaten by so-called ‘lesser teams’ but they haven’t shown an ability which could at least get your confidence peaked.
Serbia have looked to score and be aggressive early on, if they get on top of their hosts early, I doubt Sweden has the confidence to get back into the game.
33/10 Czech Republic | Draw 22/10 | Portugal 8/10 (20:45)
Portugal should win this, but I’m not entirely confident about the visitors on the road. They’ve shown they have a propensity to struggle away from home and in the Czech Republic we don’t find a side who won’t be up for this.
Of course, Portugal has all the players and so all the expectation is on them. They must bring the game to their hosts and as time goes on, they will feel the need to have made a significant impact…I think a shrewd bet might be on the home Win/Draw Double Chance at 17/20.
TREBLE @ 3/1
Netherlands Win 1/1
Belgium Win 4/10
Spain Win 9/20
