It is not just Thursday night when there are important games taking place across Europe; Friday night sees some crunch clashes, with just two games left in the World Cup Qualification groups. Home nations, Wales and Republic of Ireland both have huge games in Group D, with just a solitary point separating the two sides as they chase that all important second place in the group. In this preview, I’ll be putting together a 4-Fold bet for you with all of the odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and accurate at the time of writing.
Georgia vs Wales
There’s no two ways about it, Wales must beat Georgia on Friday night. The Red Dragons have given themselves a great chance of finishing in second place after back to back victories against Austria and Moldova moved them above the Republic of Ireland. Wales will have to do it without Gareth Bale on Friday night though after the Real Madrid man failed to win his fitness battle to be fit in time for the game. Even without their talisman, I think Wales will win this one and move a step closer to the World Cup.
Wales to win – 1/1
Turkey vs Iceland
This is a huge game in Group I as the sides in second and third place take each other on. Iceland currently occupy that all important second spot, but a victory for Turkey on Friday would see them leapfrog their Nordic opponents. I’m backing Turkey to win this one and the odds of 1/1 available are very appealing. I think the Turks will have what it takes to win the big game when it comes down to the crunch.
Turkey to win – 19/20
Italy vs FYR Macedonia
Italy start the game against FYR Macedonia as huge favourites and I’m backing them for a big win in this one as they aim to keep pace with Spain at the top of Group G. Italy scraped past Macedonia when these two sides last met, a 3-2 victory away from home, but I think it will be a whole lot more comfortable back on home soil, so I’m going for them with a -3 handicap.
Italy (-3) – 13/8
Spain vs Albania
Another game in Group G here, as Spain seek to seal their qualification for the World Cup Finals. Spain have been extremely impressive of late, having won 5 of their last 6 games and last time out they put 8 past Liechtenstein. They’ve got to be confident of another big win in this one and so I’m backing them with a -2 handicap.
Spain (-3) – 11/8