The final round of Nations League matches in this international break takes centre stage on Tuesday night with the evening’s participants hoping to take their final steps towards their promotion goals.
European champions Spain are in action as are their neighbours Portugal, who are looking to maintain a perfect record, while Northern Ireland and Bulgaria do battle in what could be a pivotal clash in Group C3.
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Bet of the day
Spain to win to nil @ 23/20
Spain impressed everyone as they swept aside all-comers to win Euro 2024 this summer and both the attacking flair and depth of talent in their ranks is clear for all to see.
They did make a slow start to their Nations League by being held to a goalless draw in Serbia in their opener, but now, with home advantage behind them, they can chalk up a third successive win to maintain control of Group A4.
As well as the goal threat that La Roja possess, they have been strong defensively so far in the Nations League, even without midfield talisman Rodri.
Luis de la Fuente’s men have conceded only one goal in three games in the Nations League and that was after they had been reduced to 10 men in Switzerland – but they still won that game 4-1 and have since beaten Denmark 1-0.
The hosts are understandable favourites at 3/10, but the price can be boosted with a clean sheet to boot as Serbia do not look to hold the necessary attacking tools to cause too many problems.
Dragan Stojkovic’s men have been blanked in four of their last six games and the hosts can keep the Eagles at bay once again to register their third win to all-but secure their passage to the quarter-finals.
Special of the day
Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria – Either team to win 1-0 @ 9/4
Group C3 looks wide open after three games with Belarus and Bulgaria leading the way on five points and Northern Ireland a point behind in third, so Tuesday’s clash at Windsor Park looks crucial to either side’s hopes of promotion.
Goals have been at a premium in this group so far, with only four scored in total across the six games while there have been nine clean sheets so far.
Bulgaria have been a tough nut to crack of late as they go into Tuesday’s games on a nine-match unbeaten run, although they have won only twice with seven draws.
One of those victories came in September’s reverse fixture in Plovdiv, by a 1-0 scoreline, and with the dearth of goals in the group so far, a repeat win is not so far fetched at 17/2, particularly with the Lions having won 1-0 on two of their last three visits to Belfast.
However, for a bit of security it is worth including Northern Ireland, who have just proven their resolve with a 0-0 draw away to Belarus.
Norn Iron now have home advantage and, having won four of their last five games at home without conceding – including a 2-0 victory over Denmark – they could use that to good effect to go above the visitors in the group standings with a win.
Long shot of the day
Scotland vs Portugal – Either team to win from behind @ 6/1
Portugal have taken control of Group A1 with a perfect three wins from three, while Scotland have an unwanted 100 per cent record of their own after losing all three games so far.
It is difficult to see anything other than a Selecao win given the respective form of both sides, but it may be worth chancing Portugal to come from behind.
Roberto Martinez’s men had to do precisely that when beating Scotland on home turf last month, while the Tartan Army also notched first in a 2-1 defeat in Croatia on Saturday.
Steve Clarke’s men have at least scored in every game, while Portugal have yet to keep a clean sheet, so backing a come-from-behind success could reap the rewards at a big price, even with a saver on a Scotland success.
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