There are just two spots left up for grabs for next summer’s World Cup Finals for European teams and both of the remaining playoff fixtures are delicately poised heading into this week’s matches. In this article, I will be previewing each game and taking a look at a couple of bets that could be worth taking a look at.
Italy v Sweden
Italy haven’t failed to qualify for the World Cup Finals for 60 years, but they are in serious danger of missing out unless they can overturn the 1-0 defeat that they suffered in the first leg. Italy were poor in that first leg and lacked ideas going forward. Their task will be made even harder by the suspension incurred by star man Marco Veratti in midfield, but in attack Simone Zaza has passed a fitness test ahead of the game and could return to the starting line up. Sweden looked solid in that first leg, but they know that things will be tough when they head over to Milan on Monday night.
UEFA World Cup Qualification – Friends Arena, Solna – Monday 13th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 16/5 at PaddyPower |
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Italy
SwedenItaly start the game as big favourites to pick up the win at odds of 8/15, whilst an away win for Sweden is priced up at 13/2 with the draw at 16/5. The bookies are torn on who will qualify though, with both teams priced up at 10/11 to make the World Cup Finals. I think it will be another tight game on Monday and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the game go to Extra Time. Under 2.5 goals at 3/5 looks like a solid bet considering both team’s strong defences and struggling attacks. The bet that tempts me most though is Italy to win and BTTS (NO) at 11/10. I think Italy will win this game 1-0 or 2-0, but whatever happens, it will be an intriguing, tight night in Milan.
Italy to win and BTTS (NO) – 11/10 (Ladbrokes)
Republic of Ireland v Denmark
A first leg stalemate out in Denmark means that this game is now a winner takes all, one off cup final for both nations. Republic of Ireland had man of the match, Darren Randolph to thank for keeping them in this tie as the goalkeeper pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the game at 0-0. Ireland struggled going forward and Martin O’Neill knows that his side must show more attacking flair and ingenuity if they are to beat the Danes on Tuesday. Denmark have missed out on each of the last two major tournaments and will be desperate to change that this time around and in Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen they boast the one player with true top level ability out of the two squads.
World Cup Qualifiers Playoff – Parken, Copenhagen – Saturday 11th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 2 at Ladbrokes |
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Denmark
IrelandWhatever happens, Ireland will have to attack more on Tuesday night and this game could go either way, something which is reflected in the odds. Ireland are priced up at 9/5, whilst Denmark are slightly shorter at 17/10 with the draw 2/1. I don’t think there will be many goals in this one and one bet that catches my eye is the Draw/Denmark bet in the HT/FT market; 5/1 looks like a very good price for that and it is my pick for the game.
HT/FT – Draw/Denmark – 5/1 (Ladbrokes)