The international break left Saturday and Sunday feeling pretty light on football, but the matches are coming thick and fast early this week. We’re only half way through the Euro 2016 play-offs, and there are some high profile friendlies for the sides who have already made it to the tournament.
The Republic of Ireland will be sweating on a place at France 2016 on Monday night, as they face Bosnia in Dublin. Can the Irish make the most of the away goal they grabbed in Zenica, or will the Bosnians hit back to qualify? On top of that, Tuesday sees more play-off games, a clash between the current European champions Spain and the team who top the world rankings, Belgium, and a friendly that could be a very emotional occasion between England and France at Wembley. Here we have previews of all that and more, with a betting tip for each.
Monday 16th November 2015
Republic of Ireland v Bosnia-Herzegovina (19:45) – Under 1.5 goals (31/20 with Coral)
In a game beset by fog, Ireland did remarkably well to come back with a draw in the first leg of this tie. Bosnia took the game up to Zenica, a difficult place to travel to, where few teams manage to get a result. The Republic would have taken a 1-1 draw before the game, but after being 1-0 up they were close to making things very difficult for Bosnia. Right now, the game is finely poised, and that could pose more of a problem for the hosts than the visitors.
Bosnia know that they have to score to have any chance of making Euro 2016. Their aim is pretty straightforward, whereas Martin O’Neill has to decide if they protect what they have, or go for the win and risk being caught. They’re unlikely to give much space away, so expect another game as cagey as the first leg. The Irish would settle for a 0-0 in this one, and this match shouldn’t be far off. We see it being one that’s settled by the odd goal, so under 1.5 goals is our bet here.
Tuesday 17th November 2015
England v France (19:45) – France win (15/8 with Coral)
The atmosphere for this game will certainly be a sombre one, after Friday’s barbaric attacks in Paris. Playing this game will be an act of defiance against the attackers in the French capital, which does diminish the importance of the match somewhat. This was a big friendly between two major footballing nations, but it’s likely that the eyes of the world will be on Wembley for this one, as the world rallies to support the French. But, there’s still a game to be won, and it’s a big step for two managers who are preparing for the Euros next summer.
The French are looking to make a big impact as hosts of the Euros next summer, and their 2-0 win over World Cup winners Germany on Friday showed the great progress the team is making. As for England, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain, ending the momentum they built up in their perfect qualifying campaign. Against top quality opposition, the Three Lions just weren’t up to scratch, and we think that will be the case here again. With the French coming here on the back of a win against Germany, they showed just how good their team is, and that should prove to be too much for England on Tuesday.
Denmark v Sweden (19:45) – Denmark win (6/5 with Betfair)
Neighbours Denmark and Sweden meet on Tuesday night as they fight it out for a place at the European Championships. The first leg between these two finished 2-1 to the Swedes, but with an away goal Denmark are still in with a chance of winning the tie. There doesn’t seem to be too much between these sides, despite the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the Swedes are favourites to progress with the bookies. But, Denmark are a solid side, and they’re more than capable of pulling off a home victory on their day.
In fact, the Danes beat Sweden at home less than six months ago, with a Daniel Agger goal in the 90th minute making the difference between the two. Denmark have won their last three home matches against Sweden, and if they can get a fourth, then they’ll be well placed to make the European championships. Right now, they’re well priced for victory, coming in at 6/5 with Betfair. With a strong record against their rivals, and the quality to turn around the current deficit, we’re backing the Danes to pull off a famous win, sealing a place at the Euros.
Belgium v Spain (19:45) – Both teams to score (10/11 with Coral)
The biggest friendly on Tuesday night is this clash between two of the frontrunners for glory next summer. Belgium are the number one side in the world in the latest world rankings, and they boosted that status with a win over Italy on Friday night. Now they face an even tougher task, taking on a Spanish team who are fresh from a victory against England. The Spaniards are itching to put right their World Cup misery next summer, while this young Belgian team are well fancied to win the Euros next summer. Both sides are confident, but which one will come out on top?
Both teams look strong right now, with Belgium in great form and Spain slowly rebuilding. Picking a winner between the two looks difficult. A much better market for this one is both teams to score. It tends to be a higher price in international games, even between two great attacking forces like these. Neither team is great at the back, and Belgium showed how open they can be in their game against Italy. There will certainly be chances for Spain here, and you’d always back Belgium to score at home, so we like the look of BTTS at 10/11 with Coral.