We’re just one game into the European section of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers but with only the top team in each group guaranteed entry to the finals, even the early fixtures have huge importance. Two sides who are tipped to fight neck and neck to finish top of their group are Austria and Wales and they meet for a potentially decisive Group D match this Thursday. A similar situation can be seen in Group G, as Italy host Spain in what is a huge game for these two footballing giants.
Later in the week we will see how England fare without Sam Allardyce, who resigned from his post after just 67 days. Gareth Southgate takes charge of the senior squad for the first time and his first test is a less than strenuous one, at home against lowly Malta. Shortly afterwards we see the reigning champions Germany in action against neighbouring Czech Republic. The Germans are expected to have an easy time in their group but they can’t afford any complacency against a decent Czech outfit.
Thursday 6th October 2016
Austria v Wales (19:45) – Draw (23/10 with Bet365)
Wales followed on from their superb Euro 2016 campaign with an assured win over Moldova in their first World Cup qualifier. The manner of the victory must’ve pleased manager Chris Coleman and with his side absolutely brimming with confidence, they must truly believe they can make it to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958. They’ll be hoping Gareth Bale can put in another top performance as he did against Moldova; the Real Madrid star has only netted once in his last six games but it would be foolish to think he won’t be a huge goal threat here.
Austria also managed to win their opening Group D match but in rather less convincing fashion. They were forced to cling onto their 2-1 lead in the closing stages against Georgia but the result is the most important thing and it’s one that ended a four-game winless streak. Marcelo Koller has named an unchanged squad for this one even though striker Marco Janko is a doubt due to a thigh injury. Whether he features or not however, there doesn’t look like being a huge difference between the two sides and away from home you have to feel Chris Coleman will be happy to keep things tight and claim what would be a useful point.
Italy v Spain (19:45) – Over 2.5 goals (31/20 with BetVictor)
Spain were knocked out by the Italians in the round of 16 at the Euros in June so they’ll be seeking some revenge when the two sides meet again. New boss Julen Lopetegui has made changes to his squad in the hope of doing just this, the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Aritz Aduriz, Juanfran, and Pedro, who all featured against Italy last time, have been left at home. This is only Lopetegui’s third game in charge but he’ll have been pleased with what he has seen from his side and another attacking display can be expected from them following their 8-0 drubbing of Liechtenstein last time out.
Italy showed during the Euros that they are capable of being a formidable defensive unit, one even the best sides struggle to break down. The Italians are not always like this though, in the Euro 2016 qualifying group stage, they kept four clean sheets from a possible 10 in what was a far from competitive group. Not only this, but they are having to adapt to their new manager, Giampiero Ventura, which will take time. Although a high scoring affair is still by no means guaranteed for this game, at odds of 31/20 for over 2.5 goals, it’s a bet well worth taking a gamble on given the excellent price.
Saturday 8th October 2016
England v Malta (17:00) – Malta to win with a +5 handicap (5/6 with Sky Bet)
Sam Allardyce’s recent departure and accompanying off-field drama has been far from ideal preparation for England ahead of their next two qualifying matches. Although this is a game they should still have no trouble winning, you can’t blame the players for not performing at their best given the circumstances. Gareth Southgate has named a largely unchanged squad, Michael Keane the only player receiving a first call up following an injury to Glen Johnson. Wayne Rooney is to stay on as captain and although some aren’t pleased with Southgate’s decision, as interim boss he’s not in the best position to start making any big decisions.
Motivation could be an issue for the England players in this game, a match against a team ranked 176th in the world, led by an interim manager in a group where goal difference is unlikely to be of importance. Malta have lost 10 of their last 14 games, including a 5-1 loss to Scotland in their opening qualifying match but they’ve only lost by a greater margin than this on one occasion in their last 22 fixtures. It’s hard to say exactly how many England will win by here but with an absolute steamrolling not looking on the cards, Malta are worth backing with a big five goal handicap.
Germany v Czech Republic (19:45) – Germany to win by two goals (3/1 with Betfair)
Germany faced a trip to Norway for their first Group C fixture and it’s one which provided no scares, with two first half goals letting them cruise to an eventual 3-0 win. The Czech Republic are likely to provide a slightly stiffer test than the Norwegians but Germany should be able to make it two wins from two without much hassle. Joachim Low has recalled a few names back into his squad such as Ilkay Gungodan and Mario Gomez but don’t expect any real changes to his familiar looking starting 11.
Mario Gotze may well feature as the home side’s most advanced player and if so then this could well bode for the Czechs. The Dortmund man has scored just goal in his last 21 games for club and country and while Germany can count on goalscorers from other areas of the pitch, this may prevent them knocking up a big tally. The Czech Republic are in a process of rebuilding under Karel Jarolim, who was appointed head coach in July. He’ll need time to improve his side but for now he’ll be looking for a solid, no thrills performance, which should be enough to restrict the Germans to a two goal win here.