Top Match Tips: The smart money on the Home Nations' qualifiers
Northern Ireland vs Azerbaijan - To Win to Nil
One of the biggest surprises to come from Euro 2016 was the impressive performances of Northern Ireland’s goalkeeper Michael McGovern. In a group with Germany, Poland and Ukraine they faced an uphill task, but it was McGovern who kept them competitive - conceding just twice in the group stages. Since World Cup qualifying has begun, Northern Ireland have kept a clean sheet in 2 of their 3 matches and contained a free-scoring Germany to just 2 goals.
Azerbaijan have flown under the radar in this World Cup qualifying campaign so far. They have yet to impress up front - scoring only one goal against San Marino. But are a force to be reckoned with at the back, they have yet to concede a single goal in qualifying. Don’t expect many goals tonight at Windsor Park. You can bet on under 2.5 goals with Bet365 at 1.44.
Michael O’Neill’s side have won each of their last 5 matches at home, keeping a clean sheet in each of the previous four. They have more than enough quality in their side to beat Azaerbaijan and go second in their group. Bet on the Northern Irish to win to nil with Bet365 at 2.30.
England vs Scotland - Both Teams to Score
England’s trip to Slovenia did not exactly inspire confidence in Gareth Southgate’s side. Their shock exit to Iceland and subsequent managerial upheaval have seen the national side slip back into disarray. Constant questions over the future of Wayne Rooney and his positioning have also done no favours in moving the team forward.
Scotland were the only home nation that failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and have not seen any improvement since. Gordon Strachan’s future as Scotland boss is under serious threat. The currently sit fourth in Group F and are just a single point ahead of Slovakia. They may not get the win they need at Wembley tonight but the atmosphere should create a spirited display. England have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 3 games against Scotland. Bet on both teams to score with Bet365 at 2.25.
Wales vs Serbia - Gareth Bale Anytime
While Wales insist they are much more than a one man team, there is no denying the talents of Gareth Bale and his man bun. He was WhoScored’s highest rated player at Euro 2016, scoring 3 goals in his 6 appearances leading Wales to their best ever finish at an international tournament. He haas scored 6 goals in his last 9 matches for club and country. Netting the only goal against Group D opponents Georgia. Bet365 have priced Bale up at 2.10.
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Austria vs Ireland - Ireland Win
With the quality of players that Austria boast, big things were expected of them at Euro 2016. They were largely tipped to be the dark horse in the tournament but failed to get out of their group, securing just a single point against eventual winners Portugal. Since then, they’ve only managed a narrow 2-1 win over Georgia - a side that has not managed a competitive win in over a year (vs Gibraltar).
Ireland are currently joint top of Group D on points with Serbia. They haven't lost a match since getting knocked out of Euro 2016 by France, winning 3 and drawing 1 (vs Serbia). They have not enjoyed much success against Austria in the past, but Martin O’Neill has this side playing for each other.
Austria are slight favourites here but things have not really ticked for them since their Euro qualifying campaign. A spirited Ireland side could edge them for a win. Ireland have been priced at 4.20 with Bet365.
