14:00 - Armenia v Republic of Ireland
Stephen Kenny takes his in-form Republic of Ireland side to the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium this Saturday to face Joaquin Caparros’ Armenia in their opening 2022-23 UEFA Nations League fixture. Ireland will go up against the Armenians, Ukraine and Scotland in Group B1, so this is probably a must-win game if they are to have any great chance of topping the pile. Can the Boys in Green get off to a winning start in Yerevan?
Kenny has had a tough time with the Irish national team since taking over, but Ireland have put together a solid eight-game unbeaten run, winning four and drawing four. They may be away from home, but the Republic should pick up all three points from Saturday’s trip to the Armenian capital against a side that lacks real class. Ireland like to keep things tight at the back and build on that base and their last four wins have come with clean sheets. With that in mind, there is excellent value in 15/2 for the away team to win 2-0.
17:00 - Hungary v England
Gareth Southgate’s England begin their 2022-23 UEFA Nations League campaign with a trip to Hungary this Saturday. The Three Lions are among the favourites to lift the Nations League trophy in 2023. The match at the Puskas Arena will be played behind closed doors, and Southgate’s side are the clear favourites to get the win in Budapest and will no doubt be helped by the absence of the usual hostile atmosphere.
England are unbeaten since losing the UEFA Euro 2020 final to Italy at Wembley Stadium in July 2021 and continue to blood more and more talented youngsters. Their last defeat in normal time came against Belgium in the Nations League way back in November 2020 and their results over the last five years have seen them as regulars in the top five of the FIFA world rankings. All that said, Marco Rossi’s Hungarians held the Three Lions to a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium when they last met, but England thumped Hungary 4-0 in the previous meeting in Budapest. The visitors should have far too much quality and strength in depth so back the English to win to nil again at evens.
19:45 - Italy v Germany
We have some top-class football to savour in what would normally be a time filled with dull friendlies at best. European heavyweights Italy and Germany square off in Group A3 of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League. This opening fixture will be held at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, and the Italians are the slight favourites to get the win on home turf. However, the Germans have been in stunning form since last summer’s UEFA Euro 2020 tournament and will be no pushovers in Italy.
Somewhat surprisingly, this will be the first meeting between the nations since a friendly back in November 2016, which ended in a goalless draw. The last competitive game was a quarter-final at UEFA Euro 2016, with the Germans winning 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. This will no doubt be another tight tussle between two evenly matched teams, and we like the look of very chunky odds of 10/3 for the draw and both teams to score.
15:00 - Solihull Moors v Grimsby
Neal Ardley’s Solihull Moors and Paul Hurst’s Grimsby Town go head-to-head at West Ham United’s London Stadium this Sunday in the 2022 National League play-off final. The Mariners have upset the odds, scoring some very late goals along the way, and have beaten Notts County and Wrexham away from home to reach the last two, while Solihull’s 3-1 home victory over Chesterfield in the semi-finals put them through. The Moors are the favourites in this one and this may just be a game too far for the underdogs.
In the regular season, Solihull finished 10 points above Grimsby. The Moors also did the double over the Mariners, winning 2-0 at home and 2-1 on the road. Grimsby did superbly well to win at Meadow Lane and the Racecourse Ground to book their place in the National League play-off final, but Solihull could be too strong at the London Stadium. There is good value in 3/1 for the Moors to win -1.
17:00 - Wales v Ukraine
Wales and Ukraine do battle at the Cardiff City Stadium in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off final in what is sure to an emotional and charged affair. The winners of Sunday’s fixture will book their place in the Qatar World Cup later this year, so the prize is huge and the stakes are high. The Ukrainians were superb in Scotland on Wednesday night in what was a hostile atmosphere, but the Dragons are the favourites in this one and have a touch more class than the Scots.
A second-string Wales team did themselves a real credit but were narrowly beaten in the end by Poland in their opening 2022-23 UEFA Nations League fixture in midweek. Shortly after, Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park in a 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final. This will no doubt be a tight final in the Welsh capital, but home advantage and the return of their top players could give the Dragons the edge. It should be a close clash and one goal could settle it, so check out the solid price of 3/1 for the hosts to win by exactly one in Cardiff.
17:00 - Cyprus v Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland are on the road this weekend, as Ian Baraclough takes his Green and White Army to the AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis to play Nikos Kostenoglou’s Cyprus in the UEFA Nations League. Norn Iron suffered a disappointing relegation from the last Nations League campaign to find themselves in League C. Can they win promotion this time around to get back among the sort of teams they feel they should be playing?
Northern Ireland have blown hot and cold away from home in recent times. Since October 2020, Norn Iron have won four and lost six of 10 away fixtures. However, they picked up a 3-1 win over Luxembourg in the last one. Cyprus won for the first time at home since March 2021 in their last fixture in Larnaca, but we fancy the Northern Irish in this one. Put some money on the away victory and both teams to score at the big odds of 4/1.
19:45 - Croatia v France
Croatia and France lock horns in one of the standout UEFA Nations League fixtures of the week. The duo, who met in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, will do battle at Stadion Poljud in Split in Group A1 on Monday night. The French are the defending champions after beating Spain in the final of the 2020-21 edition. Can Les Bleus retain their crown and cement their status as one of the very best teams in world football?
Since that World Cup meeting four years ago, which France won 4-2, the Croatians and French have met twice. Didier Deschamps’ troops did the double over the Blazers in the 2020-21 Nations League, picking up a 4-2 home victory and a 2-1 win on the road. Whilst many of Croatia’s best players are past their best and edging towards the end of their careers, France have many hugely talented youngsters who can still improve. The world champions will fancy their chances in this one on Monday and so do we. Put some money on the away side to be winning at half time and full time at nice odds of 9/4.
19:45 - Austria v Denmark
On matchday two in the UEFA Nations League, Austria and Denmark meet at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Group A1 this Monday night. With defending champions France also in the group, finishing top will be a tall order for these two countries, so avoiding relegation to League B will be the priority. Who will come out on top in Vienna on Monday?
The pair squared off in qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Denmark thumped Austria 4-0 in Vienna in March 2021, with Andreas Skov Olsen (2), Joakim Maehle and Pierre Hojbjerg getting the goals. Six months later in Copenhagen, Maehle netted in a 1-0 Danish victory. Denmark have really kicked on in the last few years, and we fancy them to beat the Austrians without conceding again – back the away side to win to nil at the very big price of 3/1.
19:45 - Germany v England
Rivals Germany and England do battle at the Allianz Arena in Munich this Tuesday night in Group A3 of the UEFA Nations League. The Three Lions suffered a shock defeat in Budapest against Hungary on matchday one, while the Germans picked up a handy 1-1 draw with Italy in Bologna. Can Gareth Southgate’s boys get off the mark, or will Germany make home advantage count?
England were pretty poor in the Puskas Arena on Saturday, with a second-half penalty giving the Hungarians a deserved 1-0 home win. That was the Three Lions’ first defeat in normal time since losing to Belgium in November 2020. Hansi Flick’s Germany started their campaign with a 1-1 draw in Italy, meanwhile, in a game that could have gone either way. The Germans are the favourites here but we like the look of 10/3 for the draw and both teams to score as England always raise their game against Die Mannschaft.
19:45 - Italy v Hungary
Roberto Mancini’s Italy welcome Marco Rossi’s Hungary to the Stadio Dino Manuzzi this Tuesday night for a UEFA Nations League group game. The Italians picked up a solid home draw against Germany in their opening fixture. As for the Hungarians, they stunned England in Budapest. Who will come out on top in Cesena in midweek?
Italy drew 1-1 with Germany in Bologna on matchday one, with Lorenzo Pellegrini’s goal quickly cancelled out by Joshua Kimmich’s effort. Meanwhile, Hungary secured a shock victory over Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in Budapest, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring from the spot in the second period. Hungary will still be buzzing from that one but we fancy Italy to pick up a routine home win here. Check out the solid price of 21/20 for the Italians to be winning at half time and full time.
19:45 - Republic of Ireland v Ukraine
Republic of Ireland host Ukraine in a UEFA Nations League match this Wednesday night. After their gut-wrenching 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off final defeat to Wales on Sunday, can the Ukrainians bounce back with a Nations League win in Dublin? The Republic started their campaign with a narrow loss in Armenia at the weekend.
Stephen Kenny’s side lost 1-0 to the Armenians in Yerevan on Saturday, as Eduard Spertsyan netted the only goal of the game. Ukraine had a topsy-turvy week, beating Scotland at Hampden Park before narrowly losing to Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday. Ireland may be at home, but we can see Oleksandr Petrakov’s brave Ukrainians kicking off their Group B1 campaign with three points in the Irish capital. The Ukraine victory is nicely priced at odds of 21/10 which looks good to us.
19:45 - Wales v Netherlands
Rob Page’s Wales and Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands lock horns this Wednesday in Group A4 of the UEFA Nations League. The Cardiff City Stadium was rocking last Sunday as the Dragons booked their spot in the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since 1958. Can Wales keep the momentum ticking with three points in the Nations League in midweek?
Wales started their campaign with a narrow loss in Poland, but Page and Co had their full focus on the World Cup qualifying play-off final with Ukraine. Holland stunned Belgium in Brussels in their opening game, thumping Roberto Martinez’s men 4-1. Wales have been incredibly strong in Cardiff in recent times, but our money is going on the Dutch in this one. The Holland victory and both teams to score is available at odds of 11/4.
19:45 - Scotland v Armenia
Steven Clarke’s Scotland take on Joaquin Caparros’ Armenia this Wednesday in a UEFA Nations League Group B1 fixture. The Scots lost to Ukraine in a vital 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier last time out, while the Armenians started their Nations League journey with a 1-0 home success over the Republic of Ireland at the weekend. Can the visitors shock Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday?
Before last week’s disappointing loss to the Ukrainians, Steve Clarke’s troops had been on a superb eight-game unbeaten run, picking up six wins and drawing twice. Armenia upset Ireland in their first game, with Eduard Spertsyan scoring the only goal in Yerevan. However, wounded Scotland should be too strong for Caparros’ side in Glasgow. Put some money on the home side to win with a -1 goal; handicap, which is available at a price of 11/10.
19:45 - Belgium v Poland
After suffering a heavy defeat to Netherlands in their opening UEFA Nations League match, Roberto Martinez’s Belgium will be eager to get back to winning ways when Czeslaw Michniewicz’s Poland visit the King Baudouin Stadium this Wednesday. The Belgians, who are the top-ranked European team at present, are the odds-on favourites with the bookies.
Poland edged past a weakened Wales team in their opening fixture, coming from behind to win 2-1 in Wroclaw. As for Belgium, they crashed to a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Holland in their opening matchup. Belgium have picked up just one win from their last four fixtures, but Martinez’s troops should get the better of the Poles in Brussels on Wednesday night. There is decent value in the price of 6/4 for the Belgium win and over 2.5 goals to be scored in this one.
19:45 - Kosovo v Northern Ireland
Kosovo and Northern Ireland go head-to-head in Pristina in UEFA Nations League action this Thursday night. Norn Iron have had a tough campaign so far, taking just one point from a possible six and even at this early stage they are up against it. The Kosovans kicked off their Nations League journey with a 2-0 win in Cyprus before suffering a narrow loss last time out. Who will come out on top at Fadil Vokrri Stadium?
Ian Baraclough’s boys started with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Greece at Windsor Park. However, they did manage to hold Cyprus to a goalless draw in their last one, although that is hardly anything o be too excited about. Kosovo impressed in Georgios on matchday one, and Alain Giresse’s troops could be a tough nut to crack in Pristina. Still, we are backing Northern Ireland to show their true selves here and return to Belfast with a point. There is decent value in opposing the hosts and you can boost the odds you get by taking a punt on the draw and both teams to score at the very nice price of 15/4.
19:45 - Switzerland v Spain
Switzerland and Spain meet at Stade de Geneve in a UEFA Nations League Group A2 fixture on Thursday night. The Spaniards have drawn their opening two matches, while the Swiss have taken zero points so far, so both will be desperately trying to claim their first win. Switzerland may be the home team in this one, but Luis Enrique’s boys are the odds-on favourites to leave with the points. Will Spain secure their first Group A2 win to really get their campaign underway?
Switzerland were beaten by Czech Republic on matchday one, suffering a 2-1 loss in Prague. They were then hammered 4-0 by a rampant Portugal side in Lisbon. As for Spain, they have opened their campaign with score draws with both the Portuguese and Czechs. La Roja will be eyeing up all three points from Thursday’s trip to Geneva, and the away win -1 at 12/5 has caught the eye.
19:45 - Austria v France
This season’s Nations League has seen some unexpected results thus far and Group A1 is no different, with France and Croatia, who contested the World Cup final in 2018, occupying the bottom two spots at present. At the start of the month both were well beaten at home, Croatia thumped 3-0 by Austria and France going down 2-1 against Denmark. France then drew 1-1 in Croatia so will be looking for a first win here against a robust Austria side.
France have incredible depth in their squad and can afford to leave out some top players and still field a strong side. Last time out most of their best players started on the bench, with only Antoine Griezmann coming off it. We expect a stronger XI here and they should have too much for the hosts, who are organised and physical but lack the same class that Didier Deschamps has at his disposal. All in all, odds of 5/6 for France to get up and running look more than fair here and so our tip is a simple one: back the current world champions for the win.
19:45 - Denmark v Croatia
Denmark are flying high after two very good wins over France and Austria, both away from home, both matches ending 2-1. Denmark have long produced excellent footballers and have tended to boast some superbly gifted technical players, as well as the more traditional Scandinavian stereotypically robust types. The Christian Eriksen story just keeps getting better and his return to the top of the game is wonderful news for his country. At his best he is right up there with the world’s finest players and he gives the Danes a real spark in attack.
In recent years Croatia have not been short of similarly blessed attacking midfielders but their current squad is certainly past their absolute best right now. That has been evident since the 2018 World Cup final and they face a real struggle simply to avoid Nations League relegation this season. Defeat here would give them serious work to do and unfortunately for Croatia, we expect the vociferous home crowd to help Denmark come roaring out of the blocks. Odds of 11/5 represents a huge price for the Danes to be ahead at the break and win the game.
17:00 - Republic of Ireland v Scotland
Republic of Ireland and Scotland square off at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday in a UEFA Nations League fixture. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since they met in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying. After opening up their Nations League campaign with a home win over Armenia, can the Scots make it six points from a possible six?
Ireland have already suffered two defeats in League B, Group 1, losing 1-0 in Armenia and 1-0 at home to Ukraine. Steve Clarke’s men suffered FIFA World Cup play-off agony recently, but they bounced back with an easy 2-0 Nations League win over the Armenians last time out, with Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna getting the goals at Hampden Park. Take a punt on in-form Scotland to win to nil again at odds of 10/3.
19:45 - England v Italy
England are back in UEFA Nations League action this Saturday when they welcome Italy to Molineux Stadium. These two nations met in the UEFA Euro 2020 final a year ago, with the Italians prevailing on penalties at Wembley Stadium. Can Gareth Southgate’s men get revenge and secure their first win of this Nations League campaign?
England have had a tough start to Group A3, taking just one point from a possible six. The Three Lions were narrowly beaten in Hungary in game one before drawing 1-1 with rivals Germany in Munich. Italy are currently top of the group after a draw with the Germans and a 2-1 home success over the Hungarians. Gli Azzurri may have won the Euro final, but our money is going on England in this one. The home victory is priced at odds of 4/5 which might look a little short on the face of it but we think at home the Three Lions will get the job done.
19:45 - Hungary v Germany
Hungary take on Germany at the Puskas Arena in UEFA Nations League action this Saturday. The Hungarians sit second in Group A3 after beating England and losing to Italy. The Germans have started their campaign with two draws. Can Die Mannschaft seal their first Nations League victory of the season at the weekend?
Hungary upset the UEFA Euro 2020 runners-up on matchday one, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s second-half penalty giving Marco Rossi’s troops a 1-0 win over the Three Lions. However, they were beaten 2-1 by European champions Italy in game two. Germany have drawn 1-1 with both Italy and England, but we fancy Hansi Flick’s team to take maximum points from this one. The Germans have been in good form under their new boss, and we like the look of the odds of 11/10 for Germany to be winning at half time and full time in this one.
19:45 - Wales v Belgium
Rob Page’s Wales have another tricky UEFA Nations League match this weekend, as the Dragons welcome Roberto Martinez’s Belgium to the Cardiff City Stadium. Wales have given the Belgians several good games in recent years, but the Red Devils, who are currently ranked second in the world, are the odds-on favourites to get the win in the Welsh capital.
Last weekend, Wales booked their spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a play-off final win over Ukraine. However, they have kicked off their Nations League campaign with defeats to Poland and Netherlands. Belgium have had a topsy-turvy time so far, losing 4-1 at home to Holland before smashing the Poles 6-1 in Brussels. We are backing Martinez’s troops to nick a narrow win in Cardiff – you can get a price of 13/5 for Belgium to win by a margin of one goal here.
14:00 - Northern Ireland v Cyprus
Northern Ireland are back in UEFA Nations League action this Sunday when they welcome Cyprus to Windsor Park. Ian Baraclough’s boys have had a tough start to their campaign and have taken just one point from a possible nine. The Cypriots have also drawn one and lost two. This is a big Group C2 game in Belfast and both sides will be going all out for the victory.
Northern Ireland’s Nations League kicked off with a disappointing 1-0 home loss to Greece. They then battled hard to snatch a point against Cyprus in Larnaca before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Kosovo in Pristina. Norn Iron will be desperate to avoid finishing bottom of the group which would result in a relegation play-out. Three points would be huge here, and we fancy the hosts to just about edge it. There is superb value in the odds of 9/2 for Northern Ireland to win 1-0.
17:00 - Norway v Sweden
Stale Solbakken’s Norway and Janne Andersson’s Sweden square off at Ullevaal Stadion this Sunday for a UEFA Nations League group match. With new Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in fine form, the Norwegians sit proudly at the top of Group B4 on seven points. They would take a giant leap towards promotion to the top tier if they can muster victory in Oslo at the weekend.
Norway have already beaten Sweden in this Nations League campaign, with two Haaland goals giving them a 2-1 victory in Solna last week. The Lions would move on to 10 points in League B, Group 4 with a win on home soil on Sunday, which would put them on the cusp of promotion to League A. We fancy a similar outcome in Oslo, and you can get odds of 7/2 for Norway to win and both teams to score in what should be an entertaining game.
19:45 - France v Croatia
Didier Deschamps’ France and Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia meet at the Stade de France in a UEFA Nations League matchup on Monday. The French are the defending champions but have made a poor start to their 2022-23 campaign, failing to win any of their opening three. The Croatians are joint second in Group A1 with four points to their name.
In France’s opening fixture, Denmark picked up a 2-1 win at the Stade de France. Since then, Les Bleus have drawn 1-1 with Croatia and Austria. The Croatians suffered a shock 3-0 home reverse to the Austrians in their opening game, but their win over Denmark last time out has put them back on track. Despite their poor start, France are the favourites in this one, but we fancy Croatia to leave with a point and we’ll be backing the teams to draw 1-1 again at a price of 7/1.
19:45 - Denmark v Austria
Denmark and Austria go head-to-head at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in UEFA Nations League action this Monday. The Danes have made a strong start, winning two of their opening three, while the Austrians have picked up four points from their first three Group A1 fixtures. After losing at home last time out, the Red and Whites will be desperate to get back to winning ways in Copenhagen.
Denmark started with wins over France and Austria, winning 2-1 away from home in both matches. However, last weekend’s 1-0 home reverse to the Croatians was a real setback. Austria have won 3-0 in Croatia already in this Nations League campaign, and Ralf Rangnick’s side will be no pushovers in the Danish capital. However, our money is going on a narrow home victory. You can get odds of 5/2 for Denmark to win by one goal, which looks like the bet for us.
17:00 - Armenia v Scotland
After last weekend’s bad defeat in Dublin, Steve Clarke’s Scotland will be hoping to bounce back when they travel to Armenia this Tuesday for their third UEFA Nations League matchup. The Scots eased to victory when the duo went head-to-head at Hampden Park. Can Scotland cruise to another three points on Tuesday?
Armenia started their campaign with a 1-0 home victory over the Republic of Ireland. However, they have fallen to 2-0 and 3-0 defeats since then. Scotland were too good for the Armenians in Glasgow, but Clarke’s side were poor in Dublin last time out, crashing to heavy 3-0 reverse. Still, they should bounce back with three points at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium on Tuesday. There is good value in the odds of 7/5 for the away team to be winning at half time and full time.
19:45 - England v Hungary
England entertain Hungary in UEFA Nations League action on Tuesday night. The Three Lions are still looking for their first Group A3 victory after taking just two points from a possible nine thus far. The Hungarians stunned England in the reverse fixture, but Gareth Southgate’s men are the odds-on favourites to get the win at Molineux Stadium in midweek.
A couple of weeks back, Hungary beat the English 1-0 at the Puskas Arena. Marco Rossi’s side also held Germany to a draw in Budapest last time out. England’s campaign has yet to take off, as Southgate’s side have drawn with Germany and Italy in their last two. Still, we fancy the Three Lions to chalk up maximum points from this home fixture. This time, we are backing England to win to nil at odds of 4/5.
19:45 - Germany v Italy
Two European giants go head-to-head in the UEFA Europa League on Tuesday, as Hansi Flick’s Germany and Roberto Mancini’s Italy meet in Monchengladbach. The Italians lead the way at the top of Group A3, with the Germans two points behind in third. Gli Azzurri would take a giant leap towards the Nations League Finals with three points at Borussia-Park.
Italy drew 1-1 with Germany in game one before edging past the Hungarians in Cesena. Mancini’s troops kept up their unbeaten start by holding England to a goalless draw at Molineux Stadium on Saturday. Germany have drawn 1-1 in all three of their matches. This is likely to be close on the scoreline, but our money is going on a narrow away victory. Have a punt on Italy to win by one goal at the nice price of 13/5.
19:45 - Netherlands v Wales
Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands welcome Rob Page’s Wales to De Kuip in Rotterdam in the UEFA Nations League this Tuesday night. The Dragons have taken just one point from three games but have been very competitive up until now. As for the Dutch, they have collected seven points and are in pole position to secure qualification to next year’s Nations League Finals.
These two teams played out an entertaining encounter when they met at the Cardiff City Stadium recently. Rhys Norrington-Davies levelled for the Welsh in injury time, but the Dutch went down the other end and won it at the death thanks to Wout Weghorst’s header. This could also be tight, but we fancy Holland again. You can get the tempting price of 11/5 for the Holland win and both teams to score in this one.
19:45 - Poland v Belgium
Roberto Martinez takes his Belgium boys to the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw on Tuesday to play Czeslaw Michniewicz’s Poland in the UEFA Nations League. In the reverse game, the Belgians thumped the Poles 6-1 in Brussels. Will the Red Devils pick up another easy win, or can Poland cause an upset on home soil?
Belgium blew Poland away when they clashed at the King Baudouin Stadium recently. Robert Lewandowski gave the visitors the lead, but the Belgians bounced back with efforts from Leandro Trossard (2), Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Leander Dendoncker and Ikoma Openda to run out 6-1 winners. The scoreline may not be quite as emphatic this time, but Belgium should be too strong for the Poles once again. Check out the decent odds of 11/4 for Martinez’s side to win with a -1 goal handicap.
19:45 - Ukraine v Republic of Ireland
Ukraine take on the Republic of Ireland in a UEFA Nations League game at the Stadion Miejski LKS in Lodz, Poland on Tuesday. The Ukrainians have bounced back in style after their heartbreaking 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off final defeat to Wales, winning their opening two Nations League matches. Can they make it three out of three in midweek?
Ukraine kicked off their campaign with an impressive 1-0 win over the Republic in Dublin. They followed that up with a 3-0 success over Armenia in Lodz, with all three goals coming after the hour mark. The Irish had a good win over Scotland last weekend, as goals from Alan Browne, Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi gave them a 3-0 home victory. However, our money is going on the Ukrainians here. The Ukraine win is available at odds of 4/5.
20:00 - England Women v Belgium Women
England Women are stepping up their preparations for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 championship as they host Belgium in a friendly match on Thursday evening. This intriguing match will take place at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium. The Lionesses will face the Belgians, Netherlands and Switzerland in warm-up matches before kicking off the Euros against Austria in July.
England have been on an incredible run over the past year or so. Since a 2-0 friendly loss to Croatia in April 2021, the Lionesses have won nine and drawn two of 11. During that run, they have won 10-0 three times and, astonishingly, they managed to beat Latvia 20-0. Sarina Wiegman’s side will fancy their chances of keeping up their unbeaten record with a comfortable home victory here. You can get the decent price of 7/4 for the hosts to win with a -2 goal handicap on Thursday evening.
20:00 - Seattle Sounders v Los Angeles FC
Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles square off in an all-Western Conference MLS matchup this Saturday. The away side are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table with an impressive 29 points to their name. Seattle have had a mixed start to their campaign, winning six, losing six and drawing one of their opening 13 fixtures. Will the leaders chalk up another three points here or could there be a surprise in store?
Brian Schmetzer’s side have been in fine form of late, securing four wins from their previous five games. As for LAFC, they have bounced back with wins over Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes after taking just one point from a possible nine. Seattle are starting to hit their stride, but we fancy Steve Cherundolo’s in-form Los Angeles to leave Lumen Field with all three points. The away win is available at odds of 21/10 which looks good to us.
22:00 - LA Galaxy v Portland Timbers
Greg Vanney’s LA Galaxy and Giovanni Savarese’s Portland Timbers go head-to-head at Dignity Health Sports Park in MLS action this Saturday. After no wins in three, Galaxy hit back with a vital home victory over Austin last time out. Portland will be desperate to end a run of three straight defeats with a positive result in the City of Angels.
LA Galaxy are nicely placed in fifth in the Western Conference table at present, collecting 23 points from 14 matches. The Timbers are in 12th place in the table having picked up just three league victories so far. Galaxy left Oregon with a 3-1 victory back in April, with Javier Hernandez helping himself to a brace. We fancy a similar outcome here, and you can get a price of 21/10 for the home win and both teams to score in this one.
00:00 - New York Red Bulls v Toronto
New York Red Bulls take on Toronto at the Red Bull Arena this Sunday. The Red Bulls have made a solid start to their 2022 MLS campaign and are currently sitting just three points behind Eastern Conference leaders New York City. In contrast, the Canadian outfit are in 12th position with eight points fewer on the board. New York are the red-hot favourites to get the win and will be looking to make home advantage count in this one.
Gerhard Struber’s boys have picked up just one home victory this season. However, that win did come in their last one at the Red Bull Arena, as efforts from Luquinhas (2) and Lewis Morgan and a Tony Alfaro own goal earned a 4-1 success over DC United. Toronto ended a six-game winless run last time out, but we fancy the Red Bulls to post a comfortable victory in this one. We’ll be backing the hosts to win with a -1 goal handicap at odds of 5/6.
01:00 - Dallas v Vancouver Whitecaps
Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps clash at Toyota Stadium in an all-Western Conference MLS fixture this weekend. The home side have been tough to beat this term despite losing two of the last three. Dallas, who sit second in the Western division, will be looking for a home victory over the Whitecaps, who languish in 11th position on 17 points.
After back-to-back losses to Vancouver and Minnesota United, Dallas got back to winning ways last time out, with a Paul Arriola brace and a Franco Jara effort securing an impressive 3-1 win at Orlando City. The recent loss to Minnesota stopped a run of five straight home victories for the Texas club. Our money is going on a routine home win here – take a punt on Dallas to be winning at half time and full time at odds of 5/4.
22:00 - New York City v Colorado Rapids
On Sunday night in MLS, New York City and Colorado Rapids go head-to-head at Yankee Stadium. New York are riding high at the top of the Eastern division, but how will they fare after Ronny Deila’s departure? Robin Fraser’s Colorado, who are down in 10th position in the Western Conference table, will be hoping to take advantage in the Big Apple.
New York were flying under Deila, picking up seven wins and a draw from the last eight games. England-born Nick Cushing will take temporary charge of the team following Deila’s departure. The Rapids won the Western Conference last season but have made a mixed start to this campaign, taking just 18 points from 14 matches. It will be interesting to see how City get on under Cushing, but we are backing the home side to prevail in this one at odds of 1/2.
14:00 - La Fiorita v Inter Club d’Escaldes
The 2022-23 UEFA Champions League qualifiers begin this week. In the first preliminary round semi-final, La Fiorita and Inter Club d’Escaldes lock horns at Vikingsvollur in Reykjavik, Iceland. The winners of this one will face either FCI Levadia or Vikingur Reykjavik in the preliminary round play-off final in the Icelandic capital on Friday.
La Fiorita are in the Champions League qualifiers after winning San Marino’s top division last season. They beat Tre Penne at the Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle 2-0 in the play-off final back in May. As for Inter Club d’Escaldes, they are the Andorran champions. Inter are the favourites in this one, and we can see Fede Bessone’s side edging an entertaining semi. Without having undertaken too much in the way of first-hand research into either side over the years, we’re taking a punt and backing the Andorran team to win and both teams to score at odds of 4/1.
20:30 - FCI Levadia v Vikingur Reykjavik
The second UEFA Champions League preliminary round play-off semi-final will see FCI Levadia and Vikingur Reykjavik go head-to-head at Vikingsvollur this Tuesday night. Either La Fiorita or Inter Club d’Escaldes will be waiting in Friday’s preliminary round play-off final. The Icelandic champions are on home soil and will fancy their chances of getting the job done.
Both clubs are in the Champions League preliminary round after winning their domestic division last season. The Vikings won Iceland’s top league, while Levadia were winners of Estonia’s top tier. The bookies are having a tough time splitting these two evenly matched teams, but home advantage could just give Reykjavik the edge. It could be close, but we fancy the Vikings to nick it and the 1-0 Vikingur victory looks good to us at the top odds of 8/1.
17:00 - Bulgaria Women v Israel Women
Bulgaria Women and Israel Women meet in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier this Wednesday. Neither side will participate in this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament in England, so both will be turning their full attention to the next World Cup. This qualifier will take place at Stadion Lokomotiv in Plovdiv on Wednesday evening.
Bulgaria are a team in dreadful form right now. Since a 3-0 away win over minnows Luxembourg in September 2020, the Bulgarians have lost 11 of the following 12, with their best result during that run being a 1-1 home draw with Latvia in February of this year. Israel’s form has not been much better, though they did beat Turkey 1-0 in their last fixture back in April. We are backing the Israelis to nick this one in Plovdiv.
19:00 - Belgium Women v Northern Ireland Women
With the UEFA Women’s European Championship tournament just around the corner, there are several warm-up matches taking place. On Wednesday night at Herman Vanderpoortenstadion, Belgium and Northern Ireland lock horns in a friendly. The Belgians will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to England last time out.
Belgium were on a good run before last week’s loss to the Lionesses. England were too good at Molineux Stadium, running out 3-0 winners. That was Belgium’s first defeat since October 2021. Kenny Shiels’ side have suffered three straight defeats, losing 5-0 at home to England in their last outing back in April. The Belgians, who start their UEFA Euro 2022 tournament against Iceland in July, will fancy their chances on home turf. Our money is going on a home win here.
16:00 - Germany Women v Switzerland Women
We have more top-level women’s football here as Germany take on Switzerland in Erfurt on Friday afternoon in an international friendly. This will be the home team’s final game before they kick off their UEFA Women’s European Championship campaign with a game against Denmark at the Brentford Community Stadium in July. The Swiss still have to play in-form England before starting their tournament against Portugal in Leigh and this again looks a clash between two reasonably even teams.
Germany recently won six in a row, but their form of late has been poor. In fact, the Germans have secured just one victory from their last five matches, suffering three defeats along the way. Last time out, they were beaten 3-2 by Serbia. Switzerland picked up seven straight wins from April to November 2021, but they are winless in four (two defeats, two draws). With both sides likely to experiment ahead of the big tournament, we fancy this to end all square, and there is good value in the draw and both teams to score at the really generous odds of 15/2.
18:00 - Denmark Women v Brazil Women
At the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Friday evening, Denmark and Brazil square up in an international friendly fixture. This is a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 warm-up game for the Danes, while the Brazilians are gearing up for the Copa America Femenina, which also kicks off in July. This one could go either way in the Danish capital with two very decent teams looking quite well matched overall.
Denmark have been in good form in recent times, winning eight of their last 10 across all competitions. They head into this friendly having won three on the bounce. Brazil’s victory over Hungary in their last fixture back in April was their first success in five. However, they have lost just one of their past nine. We can see these two nations cancelling one another out in Copenhagen. Put some money on the draw and both teams to score at 16/5.
19:30 - Inter Club d’Escaldes v Vikingur Reykjavik
Fede Bessone’s Inter Club d’Escaldes and Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s Vikingur Reykjavik go head-to-head at Vikingsvollur in Iceland this Friday in the UEFA Champions League preliminary round play-off final. The winner of this one will advance to the Champions League’s first qualifying round, while the losers will enter the Champions Path second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Most UK fans will not be familiar with this stage of the competition but for the teams involved these are huge clashes and could be the start of an impossible dream.
Inter booked their spot in this final by seeing off La Fiorita of San Marino in midweek, with Genis Soldevila’s second-half brace turning the game on its head. Vikingur came from behind to wallop FCI Levadia in their semi, running out 6-1 winners on home soil. We can see Reykjavik making home advantage count again, and this promises to be an entertaining knockout matchup. Have a punt on the Vikingur Reykjavik win and both teams to score at very nice odds of 6/4.
20:00 - England Women v Netherlands Women
England welcome Netherlands to Elland Road in Leeds this Friday for a UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 warm-up match. Sarina Wiegman’s ladies are in red-hot form right now, and the Lioness will be gunning for another routine home victory here. After this one, England have just one more warm-up game left before the summer tournament gets underway and on home soil they will be daring to dream big
England are unbeaten since a 2-0 home reverse to Canada way back in April 2021. They have been in exceptional form over the past year, winning 10 and drawing two of 12. During that run, they have won 20-0, and 10-0 on three separate occasions. Holland head to England in fine fettle themselves, but our money is going on the hosts in this one. England have kept clean sheets in their last three and we will be backing the Lionesses to win to nil on Friday at the juicy looking price of 3/1.
00:30 - USA Women v Colombia Women
Vlatko Andonovski’s USA face Nelson Adabia’s Colombia in a women’s friendly this Saturday. This international fixture will take place at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado. The US are widely regarded as the best women’s side on the planet at present and Andonovski’s ladies sit proudly at the top of the FIFA Women’s World Rankings right now – while the Colombians are currently placed 28th on the list.
USA have suffered just two defeats across all competitions since the start of 2019. They were beaten by rivals Canada in last year’s Olympics, but the Stars and Stripes have responded with nine wins and three draws from 12. USA have scored a staggering 18 goals in their last two matches (both against Uzbekistan), and they should make light work of Colombia on Saturday. We’re opting to back the States to be winning at half time and full time here.
16:00 - Norway Women v New Zealand Women
Norway entertain New Zealand at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo in an international friendly fixture this Saturday afternoon. The Norwegians have been on an excellent run of late and will be gunning for a fourth straight victory. In contrast, the away side have picked up just one win since March 2020. Norway are the big favourites in this one and we can’t see anything to suggest they won’t live up to expectation here.
Martin Sjogren’s team will be looking to keep the momentum ticking along nicely before the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament kicks off in England in just a couple of weeks. They have bounced back in style from successive defeats to Portugal and Italy in February, winning the following three games. Norway have picked up eight victories from their past 11 games. The hosts should ease past their inferior opponents on Saturday and we’ll be backing Norway to win this one.
20:00 - Seattle Sounders v Sporting Kansas City
Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City meet in MLS action at Lumen Field this weekend. Brian Schmetzer’s side have picked up four wins from their past six matches and will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to four games this Saturday. As for Kansas, they claimed a vital victory last time out having previously taken just one point from a possible nine.
After starting the campaign with two defeats from their opening three home matches, Seattle have since made Lumen Field a real fortress. They have taken 10 points from their last four home fixtures. Peter Vermes’ Wizards stopped their woeful away run with a 2-1 win at Nashville last time out, but our money is going on the Sounders in this one. Back the home side to win with a -1 goal handicap at odds of 15/8.
20:10 - France Women v Cameroon Women
In-form France take on Cameroon in an international friendly fixture this Saturday night. The away team are on an impressive unbeaten run themselves, but the French will be looking for a win on home turf. Les Bleus play Cameroon and Vietnam before taking on Italy in their opening UEFA Women’s European Championship fixture in Rotherham on 10th July.
France, who have been managed by Corrine Diacre since 2017, are on a staggering run of form at present. Since a friendly defeat to USA in April 2021, the French ladies have won 12 matches in a row, including 10-0 and 11-0 victories. Cameroon are on a run of five wins and two draws from seven, but we are backing France in this one. Take a punt on the home side to win both halves in what is sure to be a one-sided affair.
22:00 - DC United v Nashville SC
DC United take on Nashville at Audi Field in MLS action this Saturday. United have made a poor start to their season and languish down in 13th spot in the Eastern Conference table. As for the visitors, they are nicely placed in sixth place in the Western division right now. Nashville lost last time out, but Gary Smith’s side will be looking to strike back with a big three points in the capital.
DC kicked off the season with back-to-back wins over Charlotte and Cincinnati, but just two wins have followed. Since beating Houston Dynamo in early May, United are winless in five games (two draws and three defeats). Nashville’s four-game unbeaten run was ended by Sporting Kansas City last week, but they should bounce back with a positive result here. You can get odds of 7/2 for the draw and both teams to score, which looks good to us.
03:00 - San Jose Earthquakes v LA Galaxy
San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy meet in the Californian Clasico in MLS this Sunday. This might not be Everton v Liverpool or Real v Barca but even so, to the passionate local fans this clash means a huge amount. San Jose have had a miserable season up until now, winning just three of their opening 16 fixtures and rooted at the wrong end of the table. In contrast, Galaxy are sitting pretty in fifth, just six points behind Western Conference leaders Los Angeles. Who will win the California bragging rights at PayPal Park?
The Quakes currently prop up the Western table having claimed just 15 points from 16 games. So far, they have won three, drawn six and lost seven. LA Galaxy have picked up seven wins, suffered five defeats and have drawn three times. Greg Vanney’s troops have already won three games on their travels this term, and we can see Galaxy edging this Californian derby. Back the visitors to win by exactly one goal at the big price of 7/2.
16:00 - Belgium Women v Austria Women
Belgium take on Austria at Vanderpoortenstadion in an international friendly fixture this Sunday afternoon. The Belgians had won seven on the spin before their recent friendly defeat to England in the glamorous confines of Wolverhampton. The Austrians are also in fine fettle ahead of the upcoming UEFA Women’s European Championship on English soil. This promises to be an entertaining warm-up match.
Belgium’s Euros begin with a game against Iceland in Manchester on 10th July. As for Austria, they start their campaign against hosts England on the 6th and both nations will be looking to go far this summer. The last meeting between these two ended all square in normal time, with Belgium going on to win the Cyprus Women’s Cup game on penalties. We can see these two playing out another stalemate on Sunday. The draw and both teams to score is available at 3/1and that looks generous to us.
20:00 - Los Angeles FC v New York Red Bulls
Los Angeles and New York Red Bulls go head-to-head in a mouth-watering west coast v east coast MLS matchup at the Banc of California Stadium this Sunday. LAFC are top of the overall table in America’s highest division, while the Red Bulls are four points behind in fifth. Can Los Angeles chalk up another massive three points on their own patch?
Steve Cherundolo’s side have been superb in the 2022 season, picking up nine wins from 15 fixtures. Since taking just one point from a possible nine, LAFC have bounced back with two wins and a draw from their following three. New York Red Bulls are also in good form, but the Banc of California Stadium is a tough place to visit these days, and our money is going on the hosts. It’s going to be a case of west coast is the best coast in this one and the home victory is nicely priced at odds of 19/20.
20:00 - Canada Women v South Korea Women
Canada welcome South Korea to BMO Field in Toronto this Sunday for a fascinating friendly fixture. The Canadians have been extremely tough to beat in recent times, suffering just two defeats from their past 19 matches. Last year, they won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Japan, beating Sweden on penalties in the final. With this one taking place on their own patch, Canada will be looking for a home win.
South Korea are also in good form, as Taegeuk head to Ontario having won five of their previous seven, suffering just one defeat in the process. However, Canada are ranked sixth in the world for a reason, and Bev Priestman’s girls should make home advantage count this Sunday. Have a punt on the hosts to win an entertaining affair at BMO Field.
23:00 - Philadelphia Union v New York City
On Sunday in MLS, in-form sides Philadelphia Union and New York City meet in a huge clash at Subaru Park. New York are top of the Eastern Conference table, with Philadelphia just a point behind in third. Things are extremely tight at the top in the Eastern division, so three points either way could be crucial and we fancy the visitors will just about have enough to claim the win.
Union have been incredibly hard to beat this term, but they have drawn seven of their last eight in MLS. Also, Philadelphia have picked up just one league win since April. New York are in superb form right now, winning seven and drawing two of their last nine. Philadelphia won at Yankee Stadium earlier in the season, but we fancy New York to get revenge in this one. Consider some money on the away win at 13/8.
01:00 - Vancouver Whitecaps v New England Revolution
Vanni Sartini’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Bruce Arena’s New England Revolution go head-to-head in MLS action at BC Place this weekend. Right now in the Western Conference table, the Whitecaps are in eighth position with 20 points to their name. As for New England, they occupy sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, collecting 23 points so far, making this a real mid-table clash between two seemingly well-matched sides.
Vancouver are in decent nick, picking up three wins from their past four games. Since three losses in a row in April, the Canadian club have won five of eight in MLS. The Revs are on an excellent unbeaten run at present, winning four and drawing four of eight since a narrow loss at DC United in late April. On paper, these two teams seem very similar, and we are backing the pair to cancel each other out in this one. There is good value in the draw and over 2.5 goals at 10/1 in a game we fancy could be a bit of a thriller.
17:00 - Georgia Women v Republic of Ireland Women
Vera Pauw takes her Republic of Ireland ladies to Gori, birthplace of a certain Joseph Stalin, on Monday to face Georgia in a Women’s FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Georgians are in dreadful form, losing six games in a row and may find themselves out of their depth here. During that run, they were hammered 11-0 by Ireland in Dublin back in November last year, which was followed up with a 15-0 loss to Sweden.
The Swedes have dominated Group A and have already qualified for next year’s World Cup. Ireland cannot qualify automatically but can still make the play-offs. Of course, no less than maximum points will do at the Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium on Monday. Georgia have lost all six matches and have conceded a whopping 41 goals, failing to score along the way. With that in mind, back Ireland to win to nil in Gori.
17:30 - Sweden Women v Brazil Women
Sweden and Brazil square off at the Friends Arena in a tasty friendly fixture this Tuesday night. The Swedes, who are among the favourites to win the upcoming UEFA Women’s European Championship, head into this fixture in fine fettle. This will be Sweden’s last match before their tournament gets underway with a group game against Netherlands at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane.
Sweden are on a staggering run of form right now. They have not lost a game in normal time since a 2-1 reverse to Denmark way back in March 2020. After ten straight wins, they did draw with Republic of Ireland last time out. The Brazilians are in patchy form, winning just one of their previous six matches. Consider putting some money on the home side to be winning at half time and full time at odds of 13/5.
18:00 - Ukraine Women v Hungary Women
Ukraine and Hungary square off in Poland this Tuesday in a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier. The Ukrainians will be hoping to bounce back from their big 4-0 defeat to Scotland last time out. As for the Hungarians, this will be their first match since suffering a 3-1 loss to Brazil in a friendly back in April. Who will come out on top in Rzeszow?
Before the heavy defeat to the Scots, Ukraine were in decent form, winning three games on the bounce without conceding. Hungary walloped the Faroe Islands 7-0 in their last World Cup qualifier. Ukraine cannot qualify from Group B, as they have taken just four points from a possible 15. Hungary can still reach the play-offs, though they have a lot of work to do. We can see these two nations cancelling each other out in Rzeszow and having to settle for a draw.
19:45 - Netherlands Women v Belarus Women
On Tuesday night at De Grolsch Veste in Enschede, Netherlands and Belarus go head-to-head in a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier. This will be Holland’s final competitive matchup before they kick off their UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 campaign with a game against Sweden in Sheffield. Holland currently sit second spot in Group C, with Belarus seven points behind in third place.
The Dutch fell to a humbling defeat to England at Elland Road last time out, letting a 1-0 lead slip to crash to a 5-1 defeat. Before that, they won two in a row, scoring 17 and conceding just one. The Belarusians beat Czech Republic in their last qualifier, but we fancy the home side to ease to three points on Tuesday. We’ll be backing Holland to win with a -1 goal handicap at De Grolsch Veste.
00:30 - Cincinnati v New York City
In MLS in midweek, Cincinnati welcome New York City to TQL Stadium in Ohio. The hosts are currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference table, while New York sit second behind Philadelphia Union. City will be hoping to bounce back after losing top spot to Union last weekend. Can the Pigeons secure a big three points on the road?
Cincinnati have been in patchy form over the past couple of months or so, but they have won four of their last seven MLS matches. After a run of no wins in three, the Wooden Spoons picked up a much-needed 1-0 home win over Orlando City in their previous outing. New York suffered their first defeat since early April last time out, but we can see the Blues bouncing back by snatching a point here, which is available to back at odds of 5/2.
03:00 - Seattle Sounders v CF Montreal
Seattle Sounders and Montreal do battle in MLS action at Lumen Field this week. Brian Schmetzer’s men have finally found form after a poor start, picking up five wins from their last seven games. Can the Sounders continue their fine form with three points against the Canadian outfit in midweek? The home side are the odds-on favourites with the bookies and they’ll be looking to live up to that billing.
Seattle have really turned a corner of late, with a string of wins firing them up the Western Conference table. Montreal are going great guns in the Eastern division right now, sitting third behind Philadelphia Union and New York City. However, they have lost three of their last five MLS matches. This could be close on the scoreline, but we fancy Seattle to nick it on their own patch. You can get a decent price of 11/4 for the hosts to win by one goal, which looks good to us.
03:00 - USA Women v Colombia Women
USA entertain Colombia at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah this Wednesday night. These two met at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado last weekend, with the States cruising to a 3-0 victory. Vlatko Andonovski will be looking for another strong performance from his side. As you would expect, the American ladies are the red-hot favourites to get the win here.
USA are in sensational form right now. Since losing to rivals Canada at the Olympic Games in Japan last summer, the Stars and Stripes have gone on to win 10 and draw three of 13 matches. They were too good for the Colombians a few days back, with Sophia Smith (2) and Taylor Kornieck on target in a 3-0 win. The States should ease to victory again, and our money is going on USA to win with a -1 goal handicap.
17:00 - Denmark Women v Norway Women
Lars Sondergaard’s Denmark and Martin Sjogren’s Norway meet in an international friendly fixture in Varberg this Wednesday evening. Both nations are putting their final preparations in place for the upcoming UEFA Women’s European Championship tournament on English soil. The Danes face Germany in Brentford in their opening game, and the Norwegians play Northern Ireland at St Mary’s.
Both sides are in good form ahead of this intriguing friendly in Denmark. The home team have won four in a row and have picked up nine wins from their last 11 matches. Norway have also won four on the bounce. On paper, these two nations seem pretty evenly matched when it comes to ability, and we can see the pair cancelling each other out in Varberg. Have a punt on the draw and both teams to score.
03:30 - LA Galaxy v Minnesota United
Greg Vanney’s LA Galaxy and Adrian Health’s Minnesota United lock horns at Dignity Health Sports Park in MLS action in midweek. Galaxy will be gunning for maximum points having won just one of their last five MLS matches. Minnesota are also desperate for points after six defeats in eight league games. The home side are the favourites here but can they live up to expectation?
LA Galaxy are in sixth position in the Western Conference table at present and have won seven of their opening 15 fixtures. United are six points behind in 12th spot. Minnesota made a great start to their 2022 campaign, but an alarming dip in form has seen them slip down the division. LA should make home advantage count in this one, and there is good value in the price of 7/4 for Galaxy to be winning at half time and full time.
03:30 - Los Angeles FC v FC Dallas
Los Angeles are riding high at the top of MLS at present, collecting an impressive 33 points from 16 games. LAFC are four points clear at the summit of the Western Conference table ahead of the next round of fixtures. This week, Steve Cherundolo’s troops welcome Nico Estevez’s Dallas to the Banc of California Stadium in an all-Western matchup. Los Angeles will be looking for another three points.
Since suffering surprise back-to-back losses to Colorado Rapids and Austin back in May, LAFC are unbeaten in four, taking 10 points from a possible 12. Dallas have made a solid start to their 2022 season, but we fancy the MLS leaders to chalk up another three points from this one. Check out the tempting odds of 13/8 for Cherundolo’s boys to be winning at half time and full time in this one.
03:30 - Portland Timbers v Houston Dynamo
Giovanni Savarese’s Portland Timbers welcome Paulo Nagamura’s Houston Dynamo to Providence Park in Portland, Oregon in midweek. The home team have had a tough campaign so far, as they languish in 11th position in the Western Conference table. As for Houston, they are only two points better off in eighth. This one could go either way.
After three defeats and a draw from four, last weekend’s 3-0 home win over Colorado Rapids was just what the doctor ordered for the Timbers. It was only their second success since early April. Orange Crush head to Oregon having won three and lost six of their past nine MLS matches. This fixture is tough to call, so our money is going on the draw. Perhaps take a punt on the draw and both teams to score at odds of 15/4.
17:00 - Switzerland Women v England Women
Sarina Wiegman takes her in-form England ladies to Zurich this Thursday to face Switzerland in a friendly. This will be the Lionesses' final warm-up match before the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament kicks off on English soil in July. England are in stunning form and will be looking for another win before facing Austria in their Euros opener.
The English women have been superb over the last year or so, winning 11 and drawing two of their past 13 matches. Last time out, they thumped Netherlands 5-1 at Elland Road. England won 4-0 when these two last met back in 2017 and we are backing the away side to get the victory and keep another clean sheet this Thursday. We'd put some money on England to win to nil at odds of evens.
01:00 - New Red Bulls v Atlanta United
New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United clash at the Red Bull Arena in MLS action. After a run of two wins and three defeats from their last five, New York will be looking for all three points from this home fixture. Last time out, they lost 2-0 to flyers Los Angeles, while United were beaten at Toronto.
New York Red Bulls have had a mixed bag of results this season. Metro have struggled at home, but they have won the last two in New Jersey, seeing off DC United and Toronto. Atlanta have been woeful on their travels, winning one, drawing one and losing five of seven. They have netted in their last four away games but have taken just one point. Take a punt on the Red Bulls to win and both teams to score (5/2).
16:00 - Italy Women v Spain Women
At the Stadio Teofilo Patini this Friday afternoon, Italy and Spain square off in a friendly. This will be the final warm-up game for the pair before the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament gets underway. The Italians kick off their Euros with a match against France in Rotherham, while the Spaniards take on Finland at Stadium MK.
Le Azzurre head into this one in great form, suffering just one loss in normal time since October 2020. In their last one, Italy beat Switzerland 1-0 away from home in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. Spain’s form is even more impressive, as Roja have won 19 and drawn three of 22 since their last defeat. During that run, Spain have conceded just two goals and it is easy enough to see why they are the favourites for the tournament, currently priced at 15/4. Italy are among the dark horses but at odds of between 28/1 and 40/1 it would be quite the upset if they were to lift the trophy. We can see the away team taking it easy here and claiming a narrow in Castel di Sangro on Friday so back them to win by exactly one goal.
17:00 - Netherlands Women v Finland Women
Netherlands and Finland go head-to-head at De Grolsch Veste in a friendly this Saturday evening. The Dutch will be looking for a win before starting their UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament with a group game against Sweden at Bramall Lane. They are the defending champions but will want to bounce back after a recent heavy defeat to England at Elland Road. The Finns face Spain at Stadium MK in their opening match of the competition and for them there are no real expectations at all.
These two met in France a few months back, with Holland running out easy 3-0 winners. Orange have been tough to beat in recent times, that mauling by the Lionesses aside, suffering just two defeats in normal time in the last year. Finland have struggled of late, as they have won only one of their previous eight, falling to five losses along the way. Anna Signeul’s ladies were hammered 5-1 by Japan in their last one. Netherlands should get the win on home soil this Saturday.