This Sunday, we focus on League B in the UEFA Nations League, where the race for promotion is certainly heating up. We will analyse both encounters, providing insights and betting options for your consideration.
Let’s first take a look at the current outright markets. Spain leads the betting as favourites at 4/1, closely followed by Portugal at 9/2 and France at 5/1. Germany is next at 11/2, with Italy also in contention at 8/1. Interestingly, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark can each be backed at 10/1, while the rest of the field is priced at 16/1 or higher.
Click here for the latest Outright Odds as well as Group Betting
FINLAND v ENGLAND– Click here to bet
These sides have been placed in League B Group 2 alongside Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Yet to register a point in their opening three UEFA Nations League games, Finland find themselves languishing at the bottom of League B2 with a goal difference of -6. Struggling for goals, the Eagle-Owls have scored just once while conceding seven. This Sunday, they face a tough challenge against an England side desperate to bounce back from their recent setback as the two teams meet in Helsinki. Finland, winless in their last five outings, head into Match day 4 following a 2-1 home defeat to Ireland, marking their fourth loss in five international appearances. With an average of 2.33 goals conceded per game, Finland must address their defensive weaknesses, knowing that anything less than a positive result against England will likely cement their place at the bottom of the group standings.
England’s post-Gareth Southgate era started promisingly under interim head coach Lee Carsley, with consecutive victories in their opening UEFA Nations League matches. However, their progress was halted on Thursday, as the Three Lions conceded for the first time in the competition and suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Greece, marking their third loss in four games at Wembley Stadium. As a result, England remains second in their group with 6 points, missing the chance to temporarily overtake Greece at the top of the standings. They will have another opportunity when they travel to Greece next month, but first, they must face Finland this weekend. Anything short of a win would be seen as a significant setback. Luckily for England, Finland has struggled with both form and scoring, giving the Three Lions a strong chance to bounce back immediately.
Head-to-Head
These teams have faced each other 12 times, with England dominating the head-to-head record with 10 wins and 2 draws. Their most recent meeting ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory for England earlier this year in the second round of the UEFA Nations League at Wembley Stadium.
Betting
Finland 17/2
Draw 9/2
England 1/3
Prediction
Despite both teams suffering 2-1 defeats in their latest Nations League outings, England are expected to rebound with a convincing win and should return to winning ways with a clean sheet. Finland’s struggles in attack are unlikely to pose much of a threat, which should make England’s task considerably easier on Sunday.
Suggested Bet: England To Win To Nil, Yes at 1/1
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GREECE v IRELAND– Click here to bet
These sides have been placed in League B Group 2 alongside England and Finland.
In an emotionally charged evening at Wembley Stadium following the devastating news about George Baldock, Greece achieved their first-ever victory over England with a hard-earned 2-1 win in London this past Thursday. This victory firmly places them at the top of their group with 9 points, having secured three wins from three matches. This Sunday, the Piratiko return home to Piraeus to face Ireland, knowing they are on the verge of gaining promotion, thanks to their impressive tournament run. Renowned for their defensive solidity, it’s no surprise that the Blues and Whites have conceded just once so far. Moreover, Greece has not only excelled defensively but has also adopted a newfound attacking mindset, scoring 7 goals at an average of 2.33 goals per game in the Nations League. Having secured maximum points when they last faced Ireland earlier this year, Ivan Jovanović’s side will be optimistic about replicating a similar result, especially with the added incentive of securing top spot before the international break concludes.
Ireland enters match day four in 3rd place in their group with 3 points. Despite conceding first in their most recent outing away to Finland, the Irish managed to secure a 2-1 victory in Helsinki thanks to an 88th-minute goal from Robbie Brady, finally returning to winning ways after suffering three consecutive defeats without finding the back of the net. This Sunday will certainly test the boys in green, as they have a poor record against the Greeks, having yet to register a single victory in any of their meetings. With four defeats in their last six away matches, Ireland will need to demonstrate significantly more resolve both defensively and offensively if they are to challenge a Greek side that is currently flying high. Even more concerning for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s team is the fact that they have managed just two clean sheets away from home in their last ten appearances—an alarming statistic, especially as they face the top scorers in their group this weekend.
Head-to-Head
These teams have faced each other 6 times, with Greece dominating the head-to-head record, boasting 5 wins and 1 draw. Their most recent encounter resulted in a comfortable 2-0 victory for Greece earlier this year in the second round of the UEFA Nations League at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Betting
Greece 15/20
Draw 95/40
Ireland 4/1
Prediction
Based on Greece’s performance against England, the Piratiko should have the upper hand against Ireland on home soil and are poised to extend their winning streak to five consecutive victories overall. With odds of 15/20 for an outright win for the home side, I consider that a solid bet under the circumstances.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Greece at 15/20
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
