International football takes centre stage this weekend as we examine three intriguing games taking place this Saturday, with a suggested bet for each one.
ENGLAND v BRAZIL– Click here to bet
England, currently ranked 3rd in the FIFA standings, will host the five-time world champions, Brazil, this Saturday at Wembley Stadium. The Three Lions head into the international break having secured their EURO 2024 spot with a 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia. Head coach Gareth Southgate understands that a victory against the South American giants would provide a significant morale boost leading up to the showdown in June. England brings a mix of youth and experience into this game as Southgate continues to strike the right balance within the squad. The team is currently on an unbeaten run of ten games, with eight wins and two draws since their defeat to France in the World Cup Quarter-Finals.
Brazil, currently ranked 5th in the FIFA standings, arrives at Wembley Stadium amidst a period of poor form. With three consecutive losses in the World Cup qualifiers, placing them 6th in the standings, concerns loom over the team. Ongoing internal issues have compounded the challenges, but the reinstatement of the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, offers hope for stability. Despite these difficulties, Brazil may see this friendly as an opportunity to reverse their recent fortunes and refine their performances leading up to the Copa America in the summer. However, they will be without the services of key players Neymar and Casemiro due to injury.
Head-To-Head
Over the years, Brazil has held the upper hand against England, boasting four wins, five draws and just one defeat in their head-to-head encounters. Their most recent meetings have resulted in two consecutive draws.
Despite the fact that the Three Lions last tasted victory over the Canary Squad 11 years ago, there is a great deal of optimism within the England team. Brazil’s recent performances have been below their usual standards and they appear to be a team lacking cohesion at the moment. If England is to end their winning drought against football royalty, this Saturday appears to be the ideal moment to seize the opportunity.
Recommended Bet: Full Time Result, England at 10/11
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FRANCE v GERMANY– Click here to bet
France, currently ranked 2nd in the FIFA rankings, will host Germany, the four-time world cup winners, in Lyon this Saturday. This encounter serves as a warm-up match as France prepares for EURO 2024 after securing their spot in June. It presents an opportunity for them to intensify their preparations leading up to the tournament. With eight wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last ten matches, Le Bleus aim to extend their impressive run. Kylian Mbappé is expected to lead the French attack this Saturday. Given his prolific goal-scoring form, with nine goals already scored during Euro qualifications, France hopes he can further add to his tally.
Germany, currently ranked 16th in the FIFA rankings, will be eager to reverse their recent form as they are rapidly running out of time. As hosts for the upcoming EURO 2024, Germany automatically qualified for the tournament, meaning they have not played a competitive game since their disappointing group stage exit in the 2022 World Cup. ‘Die Mannschaft has had to rely on international friendly matches to stay in shape. However, preparation has been challenging, with just three wins and a staggering six losses recorded from their friendly schedule. With only two warm-up games remaining before Euro 2024 in the summer, Julian Nagelsmann will be keen to stabilize the team, especially considering they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten appearances.
Head-To-Head
France has enjoyed more success against their European rivals in recent years, having secured four wins and two draws in their last seven encounters. However, Germany did manage to secure a victory in their most recent friendly last September, claiming a 2-1 win in Dortmund.
Germany’s recent run will certainly raise alarm bells. While one cannot draw definitive conclusions from a friendly, momentum has undoubtedly been stunted, leaving more questions than answers. In contrast, France has enjoyed a near-perfect run leading up to Euro’s. Despite their loss to Germany in September, playing at home should give France the edge.
Recommended Bet: Full Time Result, France at 5/6
DENMARK v SWITZERLAND– Click here to bet
Denmark, currently ranked 21st in the FIFA rankings, will host Switzerland this Saturday in Copenhagen. Having secured their place for EURO 2024, this international break looks set to serve as an opportunity to experiment, given that a number of inexperienced and uncapped players have been called up to the squad. With an impressive run of seven wins, one draw and two losses in their last ten appearances, it makes sense that head coach Kasper Hjulmand may want to test the squad’s depth and resolve leading up to the finals in June. However, he will also be cautious not to tarnish their recent record, especially considering that Parken Stadium has become a bit of a fortress for The Red and Whites, with seven consecutive victories secured there.
Switzerland is currently 19th in the FIFA rankings and will visit Denmark hoping to improve their stagnant run of form. Despite qualifying for the Euros, the Swiss can consider themselves rather fortunate, having failed to register a single win in their last four qualifiers. Murat Yakin may also want to utilize this international break as an opportunity to address their defensive frailties, as they have conceded at least one goal in seven of their last eight competitive appearances.
Head-To-Head
The draw appears to be the most common result when these two teams face each other, with Denmark winning two matches and three ending in draws in their last five meetings. However, Denmark did emerge victorious in the most recent encounter with a 1-0 scoreline back in 2019.
With Denmark set to field a slightly weaker unit on Saturday, a home win no longer seems as appealing. With the Swiss having recorded three draws from their last four appearances, the possibility of another draw certainly comes into play, particularly as they aim to avoid consecutive losses. While I cannot foresee the hosts losing on Saturday, considering their impressive form at this ground, both teams may be content with a familiar result.
Recommended Bet: Full Time Result, Draw at 9/4
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
