We return to domestic football on the weekend, but first, we focus on two crucial UEFA Nations League encounters this Tuesday, where we recommend a bet on both outcomes.
Let’s first examine the current outright markets. European champions Spain remain the favourites at 33/10/1, closely followed by Germany at 7/2 and Portugal and France at 4/1. Italy continue to make strides at 13/2 and the rest of the field is available at 12/1 or higher.
Click here for the latest Outright Odds as well as Group Betting
WALES v ICELAND – Click here to bet
Wales host Iceland in Cardiff on Tuesday evening, hoping to make amends after squandering a 2-0 lead and drawing 2-2 in their previous meeting. Craig Bellamy’s side, currently 2nd in Group B4 with 9 points, played out a goalless draw in Turkey on Saturday and remain two points behind the group leaders. Notably, Wales remain unbeaten at home in this campaign, having drawn 0-0 against Turkey and secured a 1-0 win over Montenegro. Progression to the knockout stages is out of their hands, but a win will keep them in contention if Turkey fail to secure at least a point away to Montenegro. Bellamy’s tenure has started solidly, though the group remains tight. Iceland, 3rd with 7 points, pose a direct threat, making this match crucial. A draw would secure Wales’ UEFA Nations League status and preserve their playoff hopes for promotion, even if they fail to top the group.
Iceland are currently 3rd in Group B4 with 7 points and head into Match day 6 with everything to play for as they visit Cardiff to face Wales on Tuesday evening. In their last meeting with Wales, Iceland mounted a spirited comeback, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to secure a crucial 2-2 draw—a result they can look back on as a pivotal moment that has kept their hopes of promotion alive. Their campaign took a positive turn on Saturday, as they claimed a 2-0 victory away to Montenegro, marking their first away win in the UEFA Nations League this season. With just two points separating them from second place, Iceland will be well aware that only a win in Cardiff will keep their promotion hopes intact, providing a pathway to a playoff position and potentially a move to League A.
Head-to-Head
The two teams have met 8 times in total, with Wales holding the upper hand, boasting 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. Their most recent meeting ended in an exciting 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in round 3 of the group phase in Reykjavik last October.
Betting
Wales 7/10
Draw 26/10
Iceland 5/1
Verdict
I like the look of Wales edging out a tightly contested result, given the significance of the match. Bellamy’s side were unlucky not to take all three points in the reverse fixture in October, but they have a chance to make amends with a clinical performance in Cardiff this Tuesday, keeping their hopes of progressing to League A very much alive.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Wales at 7/10
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CZECH REPUBLIC v GEORGIA – Click here to bet
Czech Republic will host Georgia in Olomouc this Tuesday in a crucial Group B1 clash that will decide who finishes top and secures a guaranteed spot in League A. Leading the group with 8 points, the Czechs are just 1 point ahead of Georgia and 3rd-placed Albania, meaning anything less than a positive result could see them drop to 3rd after round 6. With everything to play for, Ivan Hasek’s side will rely on their strong home form, having won both previous fixtures on home soil and averaging an impressive 2.5 goals per game. However, the Czech Republic will need to keep their wits about them, knowing they have already suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Georgia in the opening round, making this clash one of the more interesting fixtures taking place this week.
Georgia will visit Olomouc on Tuesday evening in strong contention for top spot in Group B1, currently sitting 2nd with 7 points. The Crusaders come into the match off the back of a 1-1 draw at home against Ukraine, a much-needed point after suffering back-to-back defeats in Match days 3 and 4. Despite struggling for form in recent matches, Georgia will be determined to return to winning ways if they are to challenge the Czech Republic for an automatic spot in League A. Having already handed the Czechs a convincing 4-1 defeat at home in the opening round of the campaign, Georgia will be quietly confident heading into the final round this week. However, given their far more passively reserved approach to the game away from home, having scored just once on the road, it will be interesting to see how Will Sagnol’s side approaches the game given the significance of the occasion.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met twice overall, with Georgia remaining unbeaten, recording 1 win and 1 draw. Their most recent encounter saw Georgia dominate with a 4-1 victory in the opening round of this season’s UEFA Nations League campaign.
Betting
Czech Republic 15/20
Draw 11/4
Georgia 15/4
Verdict
Despite the goal-heavy reverse encounter, this match has the feel of a more cautious affair heading into the final round. With everything to play for, neither side can afford to lose. While hosts Czechia may be the odds-on favourites, it might be worth taking a chance on the visitors to avoid defeat, given their recent head-to-head record.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance, Draw/Georgia at 21/20
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
