For the first time since the FIFA World Cup, international teams once again step up onto the stage and (in this case, European nations) begin to look ahead at what lies on the horizon.
Friday 24 March
France 5/6 | Draw 12/5 | Netherlands 16/5 (19:45)
Please click here to see featured game
Sweden 23/10 | Draw 9/4 | Belgium 11/10 (19:45)
In truth, it’s the hosts which come into the game with a better run of form on paper. I know, form doesn’t really play a role this early on – but with all the uncertainty around Belgium privately…I wouldn’t be surprised to see the hosts get something out of the game! Back them on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 4/6.
Austria 21/100 | Draw 5/1 | Azerbaijan 12/1 (19:45)
I know that the picture being painted by the bookmakers here suggest a rather simple sort of outcome. However, in truth it is the visitors who might have reason to think they can be competitive here. They haven’t lost a game since June last year – but away from home they haven’t conceded more than a single goal. Back them on the +2 Handicap at 4/6.
Saturday 25 March
Scotland 23/100 | Draw 9/2 | Cyprus 12/1 (14:00)
It is a bit of a mismatch between these two sides – you don’t need to be particularly gifted to see it. Scotland no doubt wins the game, I mean they have better players in almost every position so why shouldn’t they? I think the value, however, lies in the Under 3.5 goals market which is trading at 4/10.
Armenia 15/2 | Draw 16/5 | Turkey 2/5 (17:00)
I like the odds available for this Turkey win. They are that sort of international side who enjoy a gritty (albeit at times unattractive) system of play – but they can be competitive and are usually good for a few surprise results. I am going off reputation – but I think the Turks win.
Spain 32/100 | Draw 15/4 | Norway 17/2 (19:45)
If the World Cup last year showed anything – Spain is a young and energetic international outfit! Their attacking prowess is complemented only by their aggressive defensive effort and commitment to dictating the pace of their games… Norway will struggle here, but 1/3 is too short about the home win. Spain to win and keep a clean sheet is even money.
Croatia 11/20 | Draw 11/4 | Wales 5/1 (19:45)
I’m not too surprised by the prices on these two teams if I’m honest, Wales have been riding on the curt tails of their recent historical competitiveness for long enough – they are largely rebuilding and so their results are likely to reflect that. Croatia is a balanced and talented European team, pile into the 11/20.
Andorra 14/1 | Draw 24/5 | Romania 1/5 (19:45)
It’s a bit of a hit and miss game in my opinion. Neither team has really given any reason for us to think much of their ability going into these qualifiers and I would hazard a strong warning against jumping on the bandwagon associated with past success. I really like the look of the draw here – not really for the multiples but certainly worth a punt at 24/5.
