We return to UEFA Nations League action this Saturday, where we focus on two exciting matches that promise plenty of drama. In this preview, we’ll offer you insights and betting options to consider as the teams battle it out for vital points in the competition.
But first, let’s take a look at the latest outright market odds. Spain, the reigning European champions, are leading the way as favourites at 7/2, with Germany closely following at 4/1. France are now priced at 9/2, while Portugal is just behind at 5/1. Italy continues to be an intriguing option at 7/1, with all other teams priced at 14/1 or greater.
Click here for the latest Outright Odds as well as Group Betting
TURKEY v WALES – Click here to bet
These sides have been placed in League B Group 4 alongside Iceland and Montenegro.
A thrilling showdown is set for this weekend as first-placed Turkey take on second-placed Wales in a pivotal encounter. Turkey, unbeaten in the campaign, will host Wales in Kayseri, where a win would secure their promotion to League A. With ten points out of a possible twelve, the Crescent-Stars head into match day five in fine form, recently claiming their third consecutive tournament victory with a convincing 4-2 win away against Iceland. Their only setback came in the opening match, when these two quality sides faced off in Wales, ending in a 0-0 stalemate. Turkey, having maintained a perfect home record in the Nations League, will be confident of progressing, especially with their impressive average of two goals per game.
Wales travel to Turkey this weekend with eight points from four games, buoyed by a recent 1-0 home win over Montenegro. Like their hosts, Wales remain unbeaten in the tournament, with two wins and two draws. Head coach Craig Bellamy is optimistic about his side’s prospects, believing they can secure a positive result on Turkish soil. A win would give Wales a crucial advantage, allowing them to set the tempo heading into match day six. Offensively, Wales have averaged 1.25 goals per game, though defensive consistency has been a concern, with just one clean sheet so far, secured in a scoreless draw against Turkey on match day one in Cardiff. Conceding an average of 1.5 goals in away games, the Dragons know they’ll need a resilient performance—especially as they step into Kadir Has Stadium, where an intense atmosphere certainly awaits.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met 10 times in total, with Wales holding the slightest of edges with 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 0-0 draw on match day one in the reverse encounter earlier this year.
Betting
Turkey 8/10
Draw 27/10
Wales 7/2
Verdict
Simply put, Wales realistically need all three points, and given Turkey’s attacking strength at home, this game is likely to be an exciting, open contest. While Turkey have the luxury of not needing to take risks, it’s unlikely they will let Wales dictate the play on Turkish soil. Both teams are expected to push forward, creating plenty of opportunities at both ends of the pitch.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to score, yes at 19/20
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NETHERLANDS v HUNGARY – Click here to bet
These sides have been placed in League A Group 3 alongside Germany and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
A crucial clash awaits this Saturday as the Netherlands host Hungary in Amsterdam at the iconic Johan Cruijff Stadium. Separated only by goal difference, the Netherlands sit in 2nd place in their group, level on points with Hungary, having accumulated 5 points from their opening four matches. With Germany 5 points clear at the top, it seems increasingly unlikely that the Dutch will be able to keep pace with the group leaders. However, they will be determined to avoid any potential promotion-relegation fixtures and will be desperate to secure a win that should guarantee 2nd place. Coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Germany last month, the Netherlands will be eager to bounce back and get their campaign back on track. Despite averaging 2 goals per game in the tournament, they will be well aware of the challenge posed by Hungary, having been held to a 1-1 draw against them last month.
Hungary visit Amsterdam this Saturday knowing that avoiding defeat is crucial, as a loss would likely push them into a promotion-relegation battle. Coming off a 2-0 win away to Bosnia & Herzegovina, the Magyars are unbeaten in their last three competitive outings, with 1 win and 2 draws. Like the Netherlands, they have accumulated 5 points, but with an inferior goal difference, leaving them just behind the Dutch for now. Having scored only three goals throughout the campaign, Hungary has often relied on their defensive solidity, and it comes as no surprise that their matches have tended to be low-scoring affairs—apart from their heavy 5-0 defeat in Germany on match day one. Having already earned a point against the Netherlands earlier in the campaign, Hungary will aim to frustrate the hosts once again on Saturday, giving them a chance to head into match day six still in contention.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have faced each other 12 times in total, with the Netherlands holding a slight advantage, recording 6 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw during last month’s UEFA Nations League encounter in Budapest.
Betting
Netherlands 4/10
Draw 4/1
Hungary 7/1
Verdict
I quite like the look of the Netherlands to win with a clean sheet here, knowing that Hungary have struggled upfront throughout their campaign. While the Dutch have been guilty of conceding in the tournament, the magnitude of this encounter should inspire a much more clinical performance from the hosts.
Suggested Bet: Netherlands to win to nil, yes at 27/20
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
