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Big Game Focus: Italy v Greece

 

Group J leaders Italy will be looking to make it seven wins out of seven in the Euro 2020 qualification when they host an out of form Greece in Rome this weekend. Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on the game here. 

The Italians have been terrific in Group J so far. The Azzurri have won all of their six games, soring an impressive 18 goals and have one foot in next year’s European Championships. Although the Azzurri have been in good form, they have struggled in attack. Can they make it seven out of seven? Italy comfortably beat the Greeks in the reverse fixture between them in June.

Greece have endured a disappointing Euro 2020 qualification campaign. Their 2-0 win at Liechtenstein on match day one remains their only victory in Group J so far, and John van ‘t Schip’s men visit Rome with a dreadful record of just two wins in ten matches in all competitions.

Betting preview

Only three of Italy’s last 12 home matches in all competitions have seen three or more goals scored. Although Greece are enduring a difficult period, the 2004 Euro champions rarely get dismantled away from home. In fact, they have conceded more than two goals in only one of their last 20 international matches away from home. For that reason, you can back Under 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.95. 

Torino striker Andrea Belotti has scored two goals in four appearances in the Euro qualifiers. The 25-year-old has been in good form for his club scoring five goals in seven Serie A appearances. Overall, he’s scored 13 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this season. You can back Andrea Belotti as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 2.05. 

The last time these two met, the Italians won 3-0. All the three goals were scored in a pace of ten minutes in the first half. Greece have conceded eight goals in the first half in their last five matches in all competitions.  Therefore, odds of 3.00 for First Half as the Highest Scoring Half look attractive. 

Team news

Azzurri captain Giorgio Chiellini will miss out through injury.

Konstantinos Fortounis is a long-term absentee and will be unavailable for the visitors.

Possible lineups

Italy: Donnarumma, Izzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne

Greece: Barkas, Bakakis, Retsos, Siovas, Stafylidis, Kourmpelis, Bouchalakis, Fetfatzidis,Vrousai, Pavlidis, Koulouris

 

 

Big Game Focus: Czech Republic v England

 

England can secure their place in next year’s Euro 2020 if they beat Czech Republic on Friday. Gareth Southgate’s side defeated the Czechs in the first match 5-0 in March but can they complete the double? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here. 

Czech Republic aim to build on a thrilling 3-0 win over Montenegro when they welcome Group A leaders England in Prague on Friday. The hosts have won three out of five games and lost two, one against Friday’s visitors, and the other against Kosovo. They are second and are aiming to tighten that grip this month.

England are just one game away from securing their place in next year’s European Championship. The Three Lions have registered four wins from four in qualification, scoring 19 goals in the process, with Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane netting 12 of them. Can they win in Prague and qualify for Euro 2020?

Betting Preview

England have won all of their European qualifiers since September 2014. They have played four and won four so far. The Czech Republic have lost two of their last three meetings against England. Therefore, you can back an Away Win at odds of 1.40. 

The Three Lions won 5-0 the last time these two met. Czech Republic’s last six games have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Five of England’s last six games have seen three or more goals scored. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.74.

Raheem Sterling has scored six goals in four qualifiers so far including a hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of Friday’s hosts. You can back Raheem Sterling as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 2.30.

Teams news

The hosts have no major injury concerns.

Regular internationals Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker and Jesse Lingard were left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Friday’s game and the visit of Bulgaria. Chelsea duo Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori were called up and are in line for their international debuts.

Possible line-ups

Czech Republic: Vaclik, Coufal, Celustka, Suchy, Boril, Soucek, Darida, Jankto, Kral, Masopust, Schick

England: Pickford, Alexander-Arnold, Keane, Maguire, Rose, Henderson, Rice, Maddison, Sterling, Kane, Sancho

 

Things to look out for in Euro 2020 Qualifiers

 

The European qualifiers are back. England, Spain, Italy and Belgium can qualify this week while Cristiano Ronaldo will try and reach the 100-goal mark for his country. Here are Things to look out for in Euro 2020 Qualifiers. Bet on football here. 

England and Belgium to seal their place in Euro 2020

England continue their march towards Euro 2020 when they take on Czech Republic in Prague on Friday. The Three Lions have a perfect record in qualification having won all their four games. Gareth Southgate’s side face perhaps their biggest test in qualifying away to the Czechs, who sit second in Group A on nine points having also played a game more than the visitors. However, England can seal their place in the competition if they beat Czech. Victory over San Marino would be enough for Belgium to qualify. Just like England, Roberto Martinez’s side have a perfect record and it shouldn’t be hard to get past San Marino a side ranked number 210 in the world.

Northern Ireland four-point challenge?

Northern Ireland played their first four Group C games against Belarus and Estonia, getting maximum points, but fell 2-0 at home to Germany last time out which saw them drop to second in the group. They require four points from their two games against the Netherlands or back-to-back wins from their November double-header at home to the Dutch and away to the Germans. They travel to Rotterdam with the Netherlands only three points behind with a game in hand after their two September wins, including 4-2 in Germany. Can they shock the Dutch?

Goals galore: Denmark v Switzerland

Denmark fought back from 3-0 down to draw in Switzerland the last time these two met in March. They met again in this Saturday and we should expect another thrilling encounter. In that game, the Swiss had a commanding 3-0 lead with just 15 minutes left to play but six minutes of madness saw the Danes roar back to snatch a 3-3 draw in one of the best games in qualification. Can they produce the same on Saturday?

Huge test for Croatia against Hungary

Although they reached last year’s World Cup final, Croatia haven’t been in the best form. An embarrassing 6-0 loss to Spain in the Nation League, a 2-1 loss to Hungary and a 1-1 draw away to Azerbaijan means they’re yet to build some momentum. However, they still sit top of Group E with ten points, one more than Hungary and Slovakia. A home win over the Hungarians will solidify their grip on top but this is the same side they lost to in March. Can Hungary upset the eighth best team in the world?

Can Ronaldo reach the 100 club?

Cristiano Ronaldo moved on to 93 international goals last month, scoring four against Lithuania as Portugal secured a 5-1 win in Vilnius. This means the forward is now only 16 goals behind men’s international record holder Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals in 149 games for Iran before retiring in 2006. The Portuguese face minnows Luxembourg in their next game. Can Ronaldo reach the 100-goal mark?

Italy resurgence

The Azzurri are not the same star-studded team that blew away teams more than a decade ago. Failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was a disaster but Roberto Mancini is trying to revive a slumbering giant. They sit top of Group J with a perfect record. A win over Greece should be enough to secure qualification. Although qualification wouldn’t take Italy back to its lofty perch, it can be the beginning of something special.

 

How are the Premier League top six fairing?

The International break is here and today we will take a look at how the Premier League has panned out with a special focus on the top six clubs in the league. Bet on football here.

Liverpool

Liverpool have had a brilliant start to their Premier League campaign after winning all eight fixtures so far. They sit eight points clear of Manchester City ahead of the international break. As a matter of fact they are the overwhelming favourites to win the English title for the first time since 1990. They seem to have picked up where they left last season and they will be hoping to protect the advantage lest they fall into the same trap as last season. In the meantime, they remain the best team in the division and they are setting the standards for others to follow.

Manchester City

Manchester City are the defending Champions and they have made their worst start to a season since Pep Guardiola took charge at the Etihad in 2016. Theirs has been a lack of consistency as they have looked unstoppable at times only to flop the next minute. City’s defensive shortcomings have been largely due to the injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones. Guardiola needs to find a way to make City more robust at the back, especially at set-pieces, before they return to action at Crystal Palace if they are to challenge for the title this season.

Arsenal

Arsenal are sitting in third position after eight games, and this is excellent considering their squad that remains imbalanced and in need of extra defensive quality. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been their best player after scoring seven of the team’s 13 league goals so far. However, they need to change the reality of their winless run against the ‘Big Six’ opponents. In games against Liverpool, Spurs and United, Arsenal have taken just two points and they need to find a way to beat their biggest rivals to cement their top-four ambitions.

Leicester City

Tottenham have endured their worst run since the 2008-09 campaign after collecting just 22 points from their last 20 Premier League games. The alarming loss of form has seen Leicester City step up and take their spot in the top four. Brendan Rodgers has Jamie Vardy at his lethal best once again and the young contingent are also stepping up to offer support. It will be interesting to see how they hold on.

Chelsea

Chelsea have bounced back from their 4-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening weekend to climb to fifth position going into the international break. Frank Lampard’s Chelsea have been inconsistent, but with the transfer ban, he has had to trust youngsters such as Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori. All three academy products have now been called into the senior England squad as a reward for their progress, which has been a highlight of Chelsea’s season so far. Lampard’s challenge is to build on the momentum and find some winning consistency.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have equally done well for themselves this season and surprised a few on their way to sixth place. Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew is having a stellar start to the season, whilst the free signing of Gary Cahill has made Roy Hogdson’s team more defensively sound. The Eagles are unbeaten at home since Man City beat them at Selhurst Park in April. Unfortunately for Hodgson and co. Pep’s boys are the team they play directly after the break. Can they maintain an unlikely push for a Europa League spot?

 

Big Game Focus: Brazil v Senegal

 

South America champions Brazil and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finalists Senegal clash in an international friendly in Singapore. This will be Senegal’s first senior fixture since losing to Algeria in the AFCON final back in July. Can the Senegalese beat the football giants? Bet on the game here. 

Brazil will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways after disappointing outcomes last month when they take on Senegal in Singapore on Thursday. The Seleção failed to win both their friendly fixtures during the last international break and will be keen to get back to winning ways against African giants Senegal.

Meanwhile, Senegal, will be in action for the first time after their defeat to Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations final back in July. Head coach Aliou Cisse has chopped and changed his squad with new faces coming in as he plans to integrate new players into the national team and keep things fresh. This game will also be a preparation for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers for which will be kicking off in a month, and a match against the five-time World champions will be a good test for the Lions of Teranga.

Betting preview

Both teams have not scored in eight of Brazil’s last ten matches in all competitions. On the other hand, both teams have not found the net in nine of Senegal’s last ten games in all competitions. For that reason, you can back Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.55.  

Brazil have scored twice in four of their last five friendlies. They also scored 13 times in their six Copa America games. Seven of Brazil’s last ten matches have seen two or more goals scored. You can back Brazil to score Over 1.5 Goals at odds of 1.55. 

Gabriel Jesus has been in fine form in the last few months. He has scored six goals in the last 11 appearances for both club and country. He has scored 11 goals in the last 18 appearances for club and country despite playing only 729 minutes. Odds of 2.55 for Gabriel Jesus as Anytime Goalscorer look attractive. 

Team news

Alisson Becker is unavailable, while Juventus star Danilo misses out with an injury and has been replaced by Botafogo’s uncapped right-back Marcinho. Another uncapped full-back, Renan Lodi, might make his debut, along with Gremio midfielder Matheus Henrique. Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa is back in the reckoning, as well as defender Rodrigo Caio.

Kalidou Koulibaly is back in contention after missing the Africa Cup of Nations final, but Rennes forward M’Baye Niang, alongside Henri Saivet and Mbaye Diagne, miss out. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy withdrew from the squad with an injury.

Possible line-ups 

Brazil: Ederson, Alves, Silva, Miltao, Lodi, Arthur, Casemiro, Coutinho, Everton, Jesus, Neymar

Senegal: Gomis, Gassama, Sane, Koulibaly, Ciss, Gueye, Ndiaye, Kouyate, Sarr, Mane, Keita Balde

Big Game Focus: Germany v Argentina

Germany and Argentina will meet in Dortmund for an international friendly match as these two clash in a rematch of the 2014 World Cup final. Bet on the match here.

Both of these sides did not have the best time at the 2018 World Cup, and they have never quite picked up in the last couple of months. Argentina are in the middle of a transition period, with some young talents being asked to step up.

The same could be said of the German squad as well as they are looking to promote a new group of players, after relying too much on the side who beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final. The fact that almost all of their players called up for this clash have less than 50 caps for the national side speaks to that.

Betting preview

The Germans have struggled at the back after conceding seven goals in their Nations League clashes with France and Holland. With Argentina’s fresh forward line they should find it difficult to contain them. Germany have scored twice in their last five internationals making odds of 1.65 for Both Teams to Score look attractive.

Germany have won four of their last five matches and they will have the added advantage of playing in front of their fans. Argentina have failed to win in two of their last three away trips and therefore backing a Home Win at odds of 1.75 looks good.

Four of Germany’s last five friendlies have seen exactly three goals scored and there is a good chance that this could happen again. This one looks ripe for goals and you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.75.

Team news

Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger is expected to miss out here, as well as Manchester City’s Leroy Sane. Joachim Low has a big test to choose between the first choice keepers Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter-Stegen for Bayern and Barcelona respectively.

Argentina have made a few changes to their squad here, and Erik Lamela is their most experienced midfielder. Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero have been left out of Lionel Scaloni’s squad, while captain and talisman Lionel Messi is still serving a three-month ban issued by CONMEBOL for comments made at this summer’s Copa America.

Possible line ups

Germany: Ter Stegen, Stark, Sule, Tah, Halstenberg, Havertz, Kimmich, Klostermann, Gnabry, Werner, Reus.

Argentina: Marchesin, Tagliafico, Rojo, Otamendi, Foyth, Acuna, Paredes, De Paul, Correa, L. Martinez, Dybala.