It’s international week and while leagues across Europe are on break as 2022 World Cup qualifiers get underway, there is still plenty of games to look at on the international scene including on the African continent.
We hope the international week brings more luck than we had last time but before we delve into this week’s selections, why don’t you check out our bookies of choice at BetBiga if you don’t already have an account?
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Russia vs Slovenia: Russia to win @1.77
The Russians started their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with an easy 3-1 win in Malta on Wednesday but are sure to face stiffer opposition against Slovenia who beat 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in their own opener.
While it was a shock result on paper, it wasn’t an entirely surprising outcome with Slovenia unbeaten in nine games, a run that has seen keep eight clean sheets and concede just one goal.
But those sorts of results are to be expected when you face the likes of Kosovo, San Marino and Azerbaijan. Russia haven’t been overly spectacular over the past 12 months but they should keep their 100% start in Group H intact.
Norway vs Turkey: Over 1.5 goals @1.32
The last seven between these two has seen at least two goals scored and six of those have seen both teams score.
Norway hit Gibraltar for 3 in their Group G opener while Turkey stunned the Netherlands 4-2. So, both sides pack firepower and we should see that play out when they meet.
Ireland vs Luxembourg: Ireland to win @1.48
The Irish ended a run of no goals in seven games when they scored two in a losing effort against Serbia on Wednesday. They are however still without a win in ten internationals but against minnows Luxembourg, that embarrassing run should come to an end.
Serbia vs Portugal: Over 1.5 goals @1.30
Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo up front surprisingly failed to score against Azerbaijan in their Group A opener with their 1-0 win coming courtesy of an own goal.
Meanwhile, after keeping three straight clean sheets, Serbia let in two goals against a famously blunt Ireland attack although they managed to score one more to win 3-2.
Neither of these sides has kept clean sheets in their last six matches against each other and it’s likely the trend will continue.
Albania vs England: England to win @1.31
The English have won all four encounters against Albania conceding just one goal in that run.
Gareth Southgate had the luxury of resting most of his big names in the 5-0 stroll against San Marino but expect him to unleash his big guns in Albania with only one outcome expected.
Czech Republic vs Belgium: Over 2 goals @1.40
The Czechs are in rich goalscoring form and have scored eight goals in their last two games including six in a rampaging 6-2 win in Estonia.
Games involving Belgium, meanwhile, are a veritable source of goals and the Belgians have not been involved in a game with less than two goals since the 1-0 loss to France in the semifinal of the 2018 World Cup. A punt on over two goals is well in order.
Roberto Martinez’s side have won five on the trot and are priced at a huge 1.65 odds on BetBiga to win in Prague. Could be worth a punt too.
Ukraine vs Finland: Over 1.5 goals @1.35
With just one clean sheet in 10 games, Ukraine aren’t exactly a bulwark of defensive solidity and against a free scoring Finland who’ve scored in seven straight games, Andriy Shevenchenko’s side might struggle to keep to keep a clean sheet.
A very impressive 1-1 draw against world champions France ended a run of three straight defeats for the Ukranains and having beaten Finland the last two times they’ve faced off, Ukraine may be confident of a first win in six games.
Ukraine to win is at 1.65 on BetBiga who have also priced the home side at 1.40 to win either half. Finland, though, have been impressive in their recent outings bagging wins against Bulgaria, Ireland and France with defeat to Wales their only reversal in six games. Goals might be a safer punt.
Kosovo vs Sweden: Sweden to win either half @1.35
Sweden haven’t been good travellers losing their last four away matches in all competitions, but with Zlatan Ibrahimovic back and making a decisive intervention on his first international appearance perhaps a change in fortunes is imminent.
Kosovo have won their last two at home against Moldova and Lithuania – not exactly world beaters – but should find Sweden a different proposition.
Benin Republic vs Nigeria: Nigeria double chance @1.24
It’s second against first in Group L with a place at the 2020 AFCON at stake. Victory for the Squirrels will see them secure a berth in Cameroon while the Super Eagles require just a point to seal qualification – and they should get it in Porto Novo on Saturday.
Benin scored first against Nigeria in the reverse fixture before the Eagles rallied to win. The Squirrels are a formidable opposition at home and have not lost at the Stade Charles de Gaulle in more then seven years. They may keep that run intact, but the Eagles should leave with a point at least.
Flint vs The New Town Saints: TNS to win @1.26
We complete our 10-game acca with a trip to Wales where second-bottom Flint Town who have lost their last three at home welcome second-placed TNS on Saturday.
The reverse fixture ended 10-0 in favour of the visitors and while similar scoreline may not materialise, the outcome should still be the same: a win for TNS.
