England may be without a number of key players for their UEFA Nations League Group A2 clash with Denmark on Wednesday, but they should still have enough quality to extend their recent winning run.
Results have certainly been better than performances of late for Gareth Southgate’s side, but Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Belgium not only moved them to the top of their Nations League group, but it also extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.
The Three Lions have won six of those games during that sequence, the only exception being last month’s goalless draw against Denmark in Copenhagen.
However, England will fancy their chances of beating the Danes at Wembley this time around, particularly as they had won their two previous clashes with the Scandinavians prior to the recent 0-0.
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Kieran Trippier and Ben Chilwell may be missing for England on Wednesday, but the Three Lions underlined their strength in depth with last week’s friendly win over Wales, so backing them to beat the Danes could be the way to go at 20/29.
Italian Delight in Bergamo
Italy have been a team in form ever since Roberto Mancini took over as manager back in 2018, as the Azzurri are currently on an 18-match unbeaten run.
That sequence includes a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam last month and the two teams will now meet in their reverse fixture in Group A1 in Bergamo on Wednesday.
The Dutch are just a point behind Italy in the standings, but they have failed to win or score in any of their last three matches, with their dip in form coinciding with boss Ronald Koeman’s departure for Barcelona.
Koeman’s successor, Frank de Boer, is yet to win since taking over and it is difficult to see that changing on Wednesday, with an Italy success seeming good value at 1/1.
Scots to Edge Past Depleted Czechs
Scotland are another team in good form, currently unbeaten in seven matches, a run that has not only seen them move to the top of Group B2 in the Nations League, but they are also now on the cusp of qualifying for next summer’s European Championships.
The Scots current run includes a 2-1 victory over Wednesday’s opponents the Czech Republic in Olomouc last month, although that win was made more likely as the hosts had to change their entire squad ahead of the match due to a coronavirus outbreak.
It is a similar story for the Czech’s this time around, as six players are currently unavailable as they are self-isolating, as is coach Jaroslav Silhavy.
Scotland also have covid issues, with Stuart Armstrong, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie all having been forced to withdraw from the squad, while captain Andy Robertson is suspended for the match at Hampden Park.
Both sides will certainly be depleted when they take to the field on Wednesday, but Scotland, who are priced at 9/4 to win the match, may just have enough of a feel-good factor to edge what could well be a tight encounter.
*All odds correct at time of writing