International football returns this Thursday, with two crucial UEFA Nations League encounters on the horizon. In this preview, we’ll provide key insights and betting options for you to consider.
But first, let’s take a look at the outright markets currently on offer. Fresh off their European Championship triumph in Germany, Spain are unsurprisingly the favourites at 15/4. Close behind are Portugal at 9/2, while both Germany and France are priced at 11/2. Italy enters the mix at 7/1, with the rest of the field available at 10/1 or higher.
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ENGLAND v GREECE– Click here to bet
These sides have been placed in League B Group 2 alongside Finland and the Republic of Ireland.
England’s interim head coach, Lee Carsley, has made an impressive start, leading the team to two consecutive victories since taking over from Gareth Southgate. Their most recent result, a 2-0 home win against Finland, has placed the Three Lions second in their group, tied on 6 points with leaders Greece but trailing on goal difference. Thursday’s clash at Wembley marks Carsley’s biggest challenge so far, as England aim to extend both their unbeaten run in the tournament and their dominance over Greece. England have won seven, drawn two, and kept six clean sheets in their last nine meetings with the Greeks. With the added incentive of topping the group and securing promotion to League A, England will be fully motivated to deliver another strong performance in London.
Greece are currently leading their group standings after two matches with 6 points with a superior difference of +5, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter as they travel to London to face England this Thursday at Wembley Stadium. Having shown resilience and defensive solidity so far in the Nations League, the Greeks will look to extend their winning streak and maintain their momentum in the competition. Historically, Greece has found it challenging against England, with recent head-to-head encounters favouring the Three Lions. However, this Greek side, nicknamed Piratiko (The Pirate Ship), should not be underestimated. Their most recent 2-0 away win against Ireland demonstrated Greece’s effective game management and tactical discipline. With confidence running high at present, they’ll be hoping to cause an upset of some sort on English soil.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met 9 times overall, with England dominating the record with 7 wins and 2 draws. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 4-0 victory for England at Old Trafford in 2006 during an international friendly.
Betting
England 3/10
Draw 9/2
Greece 10/1
Prediction
Both teams enter match day 3 with a healthy ratio of goals between them, however, it’s their solid record at the back that has impressed me more. England are deserving favourites going into this encounter, and given their dominant record over Thursday’s opponents, they should have little trouble disposing of table-toppers Greece, who may find it difficult to trouble the score sheet for the first time in the tournament.
Suggested Bet: England To Win To Nil, Yes at 17/20
ITALY v BELGIUM– Click here to bet
These sides have been placed in League A Group 2 alongside France and Israel.
Stadio Olimpico takes centre stage as Italy take on Belgium in Rome. After a disappointing exit in the last 16 of Euro 2024, the Azzurri have seemingly bounced back, comfortably sitting atop the standings with 6 points from two games. They secured an impressive 3-1 victory away against France on match day one, followed by a 2-1 win against Israel in Budapest. This will mark Italy’s first home game in the UEFA Nations League, where they will look to continue their strong form. A victory this Thursday could potentially secure qualification for the quarter-finals, depending on other results. However, a double victory over Belgium and Israel would likely confirm their place. With a favourable record against the Red Devils, Italy are unlikely to hold back, despite ranking four places below Belgium in 10th position in the latest FIFA rankings.
Belgium began their UEFA Nations League campaign positively, securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Israel on match day one, thanks to a brace from their talismanic midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne. However, the situation changed dramatically for the Red Devils in week two, as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat away to France, leaving them third in the standings with 3 points. As they travel to Rome this Thursday, Belgium faces an uphill battle, with recent results against the Azzurri and their current form on the road working against them. The Red Devils are yet to taste victory in their last five away appearances, hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat on the road, having recorded 2 losses and 3 draws in their last five outings. Additionally, Belgium will be without Kevin De Bruyne for the match against Italy and the home clash against France on Monday—a significant blow given the importance of these two critical fixtures and the quality he brings to the national side.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met 24 times in total, with Italy dominating the record with 16 wins, 4 draws, and 4 defeats. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 2-1 victory for Italy in 2021, where the Azzurri secured third place in the UEFA Nations League playoff.
Betting
Italy 19/20
Draw 26/10
Belgium 3/1
Prediction
Belgium enters Thursday’s clash with a poor record against the Italians, having failed to win any of their last six encounters in major tournaments. Given their unconvincing campaign at Euro 2024 and their recent run of form away from home, I am firmly in the Italian camp here.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Italy at 19/20
Click here for betting on all of this week’s matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
