Here are four important World Cup qualifying matches around Europe on this Friday and our capper\’s picks.
Austria vs. Serbia
Group D leaders Serbia travel to play 4th place Austria on Friday. Serbia are unbeaten so far in their World Cup qualifiers and with a win in this away game they will finish 1st in the group and automatically qualify for Russia next year. Austria have nothing to lose, having no chances to qualify, being 5 points behind 2nd place Wales — so they enter this match relaxed and ready to give their fans something to cheer for. The reverse match was a goal-fest with Serbia winning home 3-2 and we expect another thrilling match between two attacking minded teams. Of course Serbia are the favourites to win this encounter being priced at 2.2 with the green-listed bookmaker Betfair but we should skip the winners\’ market and concentrate on the goals market. We expect both teams to contribute on the scoreboard and definitely at least 3 goals in the match. Best pick for the match: Over 2.5 goals at 2.2 with Bet365.
Croatia vs. Finland
With 2 rounds to go till the end of the group stage, Croatia are leading Group I with 16 points earned so far, but they should be very careful because Iceland are breathing down their necks being equal on points. This is a must win for the home team and given the fact that they are playing on their turf against a squad with no chance to qualify, this should be an easy win. Finland are sitting 5th in the standings with 7 points and just 6 goals scored so far, and they will try to play their chance and pull off the upset but they will surely not push for the win. Croatia managed to win their reverse match 1-0 away in Finland and are priced really low to win this encounter (1.13 with the green listed bookmaker Unibet). Best pick for the match: Croatia to win and over 2.5 goals in the match at 1.67 with Coral.
Kosovo vs. Ukraine
If Kosovo were in another group with one of Europe’s big names (Germany, Spain, Belgium, France) they would definitely have the worst defense in the qualifiers. They got lucky conceding just 20 goals so far but they still have to play 2 more games. Group I is one the of tightest groups in the European World Cup qualifiers, as with just 2 rounds left to be played, four teams have the chance to finish top of the pile. This is a must win for Ukraine but the most important match for them is the last one, home with Croatia. They should destroy Kosovo, wait for a draw between Iceland and Turkey and enter their last match against Croatia full of confidence. We expect Ukraine to dominate the match from start to finish and cover the -2 AH. Best pick for the match: Ukraine to win with -2 AH at 1.76 with Unibet.
Turkey vs. Iceland
This clash is a must win for the Turkish side. Both teams will try to put their best effort to win the 3 points and secure the 2nd position, which will offer then the chance to play in the knockout stage. The 2 teams are separated by just 2 points with Iceland being happy also with the draw but they will not afford to prepare the match for a draw. The reverse match saw a 2-0 home victory so the Turkish team will be eager to revenge that negative result. Turkey have a new coach and they enter this match on the back of a great home win 1-0 against group leaders Croatia. Best pick for the match: Both teams to score at 2.0 with Betfair.
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