The international break took over the soccer world this week so that means only one thing. The World Cup 2022 soccer odds are now available as we are back with our favorite international expert and his free soccer betting predictions. Read on for this week’s Qatar World Cup 2022 qualifying betting tips for two of UEFA’s fixtures.
Ireland vs. Azerbaijan
Saturday, September 04, 2021 – 12:00 PM EDT at Aviva Stadium
Form, Mentality, World Cup Odds and Trends
- Under 2.5 goals has landed in Ireland’s previous ten home fixtures
- Azerbaijan has won three of their last 38 away fixtures in all competitions
- Azerbaijan has lost their previous five WC qualification matches
Ronaldo Upsets the Irish
Cristiano Ronaldo is stealing the headlines in domestic and international soccer this week; following his arrival to Manchester United; the Portuguese superstar assisted his country in two last-minute winning headers versus Ireland during midweek World Cup qualifying action.
Ireland was leading Portugal, but an eventual and unfortunate 2-1 loss leaves the Irish squad in a dangerous qualification position. This weekend’s fixture versus Azerbaijan leaves Stephen Kenny’s crew in a must-win situation; the good news is that they’re facing a struggling team in Azerbaijan who’ve lost their previous three World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Ireland has suffered in their World Cup venture thus far, but they collected eight points during their Euro 2020 campaign and remained undefeated during home fixtures.
Final Thoughts
I believe Ireland can return to winning ways, but the exciting trend is that most teams struggle to score at the Aviva stadium. Under 2.5 goals has landed in Ireland’s previous five games on home turf.
With Ireland siding with the same starting eleven that nearly defeated Portugal, it isn’t easy to envision Azerbaijan scoring this weekend.
The Pick
The implications of this fixture are essential to both squads; for this reason, I expect defenses to be tight at both ends. For my soccer pick, I anticipate Ireland squeezing a win but only by a small margin.
Final Score Prediction: Ireland 1 – Azerbaijan 0
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 goals (-147) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Scotland vs. Moldova
Saturday, September 04, 2021 - 02:45 PM EDT at Hampden Park
Form, Mentality, World Cup Odds and Trends
- Scotland has avoided defeat in their last eight World Cup home fixtures.
- Scotland has avoided defeat in 21 of their last 25 home games in all competitions.
- Scotland has scored one or more goals in their previous eight World Cup qualification fixtures.
- Moldova has recorded nine consecutive defeats away from home.
- Moldova has lost by two or more goals in their last four World Cup qualification games.
- Moldova concedes an average of 2.60 goals in all competitions.
Tartan Will Reign Supreme This Saturday Afternoon
Moldova’s World Cup run isn’t looking pretty; across their previous six outings, they’ve conceded a massive 20 goals, so expecting Scotland to find the net on a few occasions this weekend is highly likely.
Scotland was outclassed by Denmark midweek, but manager Steve Clark admits this downfall and a realization that Moldova won’t be half the side Denmark were, makes life easier for the Scots.
Moldova has lost all three of their World Cup qualifying fixtures, and this includes an 8-0 hammering to Denmark. Scotland has found success against similar teams (4-0 vs. the Faroe Islands), and another low-level squad could give Scotland a significantly high-scoring win at Hamden Park.
The Pick
I have no doubt that Scotland will claim all three points versus Moldova but finding value in a Scotland straight-up victory is impossible. This leaves us no choice but to browse other betting markets.
I’m happy backing Scotland with a -1 handicap, Scotland to win to nil, or the best value can be found with Scotland winning both halves. With that said, you could risk three units on all three of the above, and you’re likely to walk away with tidy profits.
Final Score Prediction: Scotland 3 – Moldova 0
Soccer Pick: Scotland ML Both Halfs (+130) at Intertops (visit our Intertops Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
