We already know 15 of the 32 teams that will contest the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and we’ll know several more by the end of this international break.
Expectations will be high in Palermo tonight where 4-time winners Italy host North Macedonia who are trying to qualify for the finals for the first time after finishing behind Germany in Group J.
The Italians have a chance to redeem themselves following a disappointing campaign in which they finished unbeaten, but four wins and four draws saw them end up two points behind the Swiss.
Italy’s recent successes, including of course being crowned European Champions, has been built on defensive solidity and they conceded just twice in qualifying but they should be wary of an ever-improving North Macedonia side who performed better on the road than at home including a stunning 2-1 win over Germany.
That said, anything other than a win for Roberto Mancini’s side at 2/11 would be a major shock. Winning with a clean sheet pays 8/13. Best value could be in the 11/10 on under 2.5 Goals, that would’ve landed in seven of Italy’s eight qualifying matches and you can see them shutting up shop if they go a goal or two ahead tonight.
The winners in Palermo will need to do it all again on Tuesday against either Portugal or Turkey. At 37 years old the focus will be on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether he can make it to one last World Cup before hanging up his boots.
The talismanic hitman scored just six of Portugal’s 17 goals in qualifying with four of them coming in two games against Luxembourg and the other two as he bailed out his side in injury-time against Northern Ireland. So perhaps there will be life after Ronaldo for the Portuguese.
CR7 dominates the goalscorer markets which means there could be value elsewhere and the best alternative could Diogo Jota. The Liverpool has had a great season in the Premier League where he’s scored 19 times already. He scored four for Portugal in Group A and is 6/5 to net against the Turks tonight in Porto.
Wales‘ opponents Austria earned their play-off place thanks to their performance in the UEFA Nations League which was just as well given their fourth placed finish in a group in which Denmark, Scotland and Israel all finished above them.
That’s not to say they won’t be tricky opponents but the Welsh could definitely have had a tougher draw. The winners will meet either Scotland or Ukraine in the play-off final but that match has understandably been postponed and doubts remain whether it will be played at all.
The lack of game time for the influential pairing of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsay will be a concern for Robert Page but the Welsh are unbeaten in 16 home internationals and can set up a potential Battle of Britain by winning at 7/4.
Super Singles
- Italy v North Macedonia – Under 2.5 Goals 11/10 Bet365
- Diogo Jota to score any time 6/5 Bet365
- Wales to win 7/4
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
- Thursday’s Goals Accumulator Tips: Today’s 13/2 Both Teams to Score & Total Team Goals Acca
- Thu 19:45 Wales v Austria
- Thu 19:45 Scotland v Poland
- Thu 19:45 Portugal v Turkey
- Thu 19:45 Sweden v Czech Republic
- Thu 19:45 Italy v North Macedonia
- Fri 19:05 Scotland Under 21s v Turkey Under 21s
Today’s Racing Tips
Rizzel struck with wins with both of his selections on Wednesday. Today, he has picked out the one selection coming in the Marathon race at Chepstow.
Golf Tips
The first WGC event on the golfing calendar is here as The Caddy looks forward to the WGC Dell Technologies Matchplay at Austin Country Club, Texas and presents his top three players to keep an eye on. He’s also provided his best bets in this week’s DP World Tour event, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club, Qatar.
- Golf Betting Tips: WGC Dell Technologies Matchplay Preview & Predictions
- Golf Betting Tips: Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Preview & Predictions
As always, let us know your tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
The post Thursday’s Football Tips: Nations Put World Cup Dreams on the Line appeared first on MrFixitsTips.