There’s more International football ahead this weekend, and with all Home Nations involved, BetVictor Brand Ambassador Michael Owen is here to preview the best of the action.
Ireland to win to nil
Republic of Ireland v Luxembourg 3-0
Back at the Aviva Stadium, the visit of Luxembourg, although potentially awkward, should be a match where Ireland target maximum points.
Prior to Wednesday night, the Irish were on a seven-game run without scoring a goal. So, despite losing the match, scoring two on the night will no doubt bring some confidence back to the side.
With that in mind, I think Ireland will win this in comfortable fashion.
Under 1.5 goals
Israel v Scotland 1-0
Israel and Scotland are no stranger to each other having met several times over the last few years.
In fact, we only have to go back as far as November when they met in Israel, a match won by the home side 1-0.
There’s no doubt in my mind that this will be tight, and I think it’s likely that it could be won by the odd goal.
Scotland scored twice against Austria on Thursday night; however, they look rather toothless up top. So, I’m going for the home side to take this 1-0.
England HT/FT
Albania v England 0-2
Thursday’s 5-0 win wasn’t much more than a run out for England; however, it will have done the players no harm in terms of match sharpness ahead of this.
Albania picked up a big three points on the road to Andorra, and back on home soil, they have the potential to make things difficult for the Three Lions.
That said, England have terrific strength in depth just now and I just can’t see anything other than a comfortable away win.
Bulgaria to win
Northern Ireland v Bulgaria 0-1
Northern Ireland are in the middle of a really poor run of form having lost five or their last six matches. Despite playing well in patches, their lack of goals is a real cause for concern.
They welcome Bulgaria to Windsor Park, a ground which in the past has really lent itself as the 12th man for the home side. However, with no fans in attendance, I think their lack of presence will be felt.
With that in mind, if Bulgaria can nick one, I think it will be hard for Northern Ireland to find a way back.
Draw
Wales v Czech Republic 1-1
Despite Wales getting off to the best possible start, Belgium simply had too much for them on Wednesday night. Now back on home soil, the Welshmen take on a Czech side that blew away Estonia 6-2 in their midweek match.
However, other than that fixture, the Czech Republic’s goal-scoring form hasn’t been great, so to see them notch six was a bit of a surprise.
I don’t see too much between these two, so I wouldn’t at all be surprised if it ended all square. It’s 1-1 in Cardiff for me.
