Hi gang! It’s the international break, so I’m turning my attention to the qualifiers. If you like my tips, you can bet here.
Belgium 2 v 1 Russia – Thursday 21 March – European Championships Qualifiers – Over 2.5 Goals (1.55)
Belgium have won 12 of their last 15 games and I’m expecting them to get off to a good start in qualifying. They’ve won nine of their last ten competitive games on home soil and are up against Russia, who have lost their last two away games. The visitors didn’t have to go through qualifying for the last World Cup, and I think they might be a bit rusty for this match.
Malawi 0 v 1 Morocco – Friday 22 March – AFCON Qualifiers – Under 2.5 Goals (1.50)
Sadly Malawi can’t qualify for the AFCON tournament this year, so this game doesn’t carry much meaning for them. Morocco, on the other hand, only need a point to finish top of the group. They’ve won four of their last five games, while the Flames have lost four out of five. I think that this will be an Away Win, and I don’t see many goals.
Nigeria 2 v 0 Seychelles – Friday 22 March – AFCON Qualifiers – Nigeria Win with 0:1 Handicap (1.16)
Nigeria are already in the draw for the AFCON championships, but they do need a win to guarantee top spot in the group. They will be confident against the Seychelles, who have lost four of their five qualifiers so far and have also suffered defeat in their last seven away games in AFCON qualification. I think this will be an easy win for the Super Eagles.
England 2 v 0 Czech Republic – Friday 22 March – European Championships Qualifiers – England Win with 0:1 Handicap (1.90)
This is the final international break before England go to the Nations League finals, so it’s important that they put in a strong performance here. I can’t see them having too many problems though. The Czech Republic have been inconsistent lately with five wins and five defeats in their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Three Lions have won their last ten home qualifiers for international tournaments, nine of them on the handicap. This is a Home Win.
Portugal 2 v 0 Ukraine – Friday 22 March – European Championships Qualifiers – Under 2.5 Goals (1.70)
The big news for Portugal is that Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the squad, fresh from scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League. His side are the reigning champions at the Euros and are unbeaten since the World Cup. There have been Under 2.5 Goals in four of Ukraine’s past five games, so I don’t think this will be a particularly exciting clash. I have to back a Home Win though.