After a mixed bag of results so far for our home nations, the UEFA Nations League continues to provide exciting and competitive fixtures as some teams step up their World Cup preparations, and others look at beginning the rebuilding process.
Teams are divided through their world rankings to provide more competitive fixtures for all of the nations, ultimately providing more entertaining spectacles for the supporters.
Total Football Analysis takes a look into the fixtures for our home nations this weekend, offering previews and expert betting tips across each match…
England v Italy Betting Tips
A loss to Hungary kicking off the UEFA Nations league proved that this young England squad has a long way to go in terms of its development. A below-par performance saw Reece James concede a second-half penalty which was dispatched by Dominik Szoboszlai to see Hungary through to a 1-0 victory. A draw with Germany raises further questions for Gareth Southgate’s approach with this talented England squad.
Italy meanwhile were praised for their improvement in an identical result versus Germany. After failing to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the European Champions have been under pressure to deliver quickly under Roberto Mancini. An Italian 2-1 victory against Hungary goes a long way to show where these two sides are in their development as the two sides meet.
England need a win to kickstart their underwhelming campaign and a showing of positive intent is needed as much as a result here. Attacking football is required from the start, and a patient Tammy Abraham is awaiting his England opportunity after a fine season for Roma.
Barella and Belotti lead this new look Italy side, but expect a reaction from an England side under increasing pressure. England to win is the advised bet as home advantage should see a much more direct approach demanded by supporters. A £10 bet on England to win at 3/4 is rewarded with a £50 Free Bet with bet365.
Ireland v Scotland Betting Tips
Ireland opened their Nations League campaign with a loss to Armenia, however it wasn’t without chances. A disappointing result was all they could take away – however positives still remain for the side. The loss to Armenia proving to be the only loss in the last five, Ireland still take positives into what will be a closely contested fixture against Scotland.
Scotland themselves must pick themselves up after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Defeat to Ukraine saw them forfeit their chance at qualification and set up a final against Wales. Wales would go on to win, earning qualification into a group containing England, Iran, and the USA; however, Scotland must try to turn their attention to the UEFA Nations League with leading players such as Andy Robertson and John McGinn needing to deliver.
Despite their World Cup disappointment, and what will be a hostile atmosphere away from home, Scotland remain the TFA tip for this fixture with value odds at 11/5. Whilst John McGinn to score anytime will reward you with £50 in free bets guaranteed when you place a £10 wager at 5/1.
Wales v Belgium Betting Tips
After beating Poland with a rotated side, Wales went one better and sealed World Cup qualification with a win against Ukraine. It was Gareth Bale again who stepped up to create the goal as his free kick was deflected in to put Wales 1-0 up.
Belgium meanwhile opened their Nations League campaign with a disappointing loss to the Netherlands, falling to a Memphis Depay double as they lost 4-1. Holes began to appear in what was an experienced and reliable defence, although main goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not feature after his Champions League Final heroics.
Despite their lack of form here, the quality in the Belgian side should see a reaction after their disappointing start to Nations League life, and Wales will be in for a tougher test than the previous victories they have managed. Belgium to win at 17/20 is the selection to pick here, whilst adding both teams to score improve the odds to 4/1.
Northern Ireland v Cyprus Betting Tips
The last meeting between the two sides saw a 0-0 stalemate as neither team capitalised on the chances that were created. Northern Ireland enjoyed the bulk of possession and created more opportunities, however neither side were clinical in converting these on target.
Cyprus have since suffered a loss to Kosovo, whilst Northern Ireland have similarly narrowly lost to a new look Greece side under Gus Poyet. Experienced Northern Ireland stars such as Jonny Evans, Steven Davis, and Kyle Lafferty must step up this time round. Expect more chances to fall the way of Lafferty with home advantage behind Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland are deservedly the bookies favourites with odds of 13/20, and after the stalemate last time out it would be advised against adding both teams to score. If you are particularly confident of a repeat of a low scoring game, Northern Ireland to win and both teams to score “No” is invitingly priced at 7/5.
