Nations League betting tips: Scotland to get off to winning start?
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The opening matches of the Nations League continue tonight with eight matches coming your way. It’s another big night for the Home Nations with Scotland and Northern Ireland both in action looking to secure three valuable points.
Steve Clarke’s side welcome Israel to Hampden Park who’ll provide stern opposition for the Scots’ first competitive match in nine months. It’s a crucial period for the national side as they prepare for their crucial Euro play-off semi-final against the same opponents next month.
After Michael O’Neill’s successful time at the helm in charge of Northern Ireland, former Under-21s boss Ian Baraclough has now been tasked with attempting to continue Northern Ireland’s progress. He begins his reign with a trip to Bucharest to take on Romania.
Elsewhere, it’s been a difficult few weeks for the Netherlands after losing boss Ronald Koeman. The Oranje welcome an in-form Poland, a side that qualified for Euro 2020 with 25 points, losing just one of their ten matches. Dwight Lodeweges is the man who’ll temporarily lead the Dutch side.
Without further ado, lets delve into the pick of tonight Nations League clashes with all of the games being shown live on Sky Sports.
Scotland v Israel
This opening game in Group B2 will ultimately set the tone for a hugely important spell for the Scotland side who kick-off as Evens to win.
Scotland have failed to keep a clean sheet since November 2018 away to Albania, excluding the ties against minnows San Marino. Both teams to score tonight is 19/20 with both teams to score and Scotland to win 7/2.
Israel will provide a threat and they are 29/10 to wrap up three points on their travels. Eran Zahavi is 9/4 to score anytime with Scotland’s Lyndon Dykes 9/2 to score first on debut.
Romania v Northern Ireland
Romania coach Mirel Radoi is seemingly placing faith in experience over youth with no player over the age of 21 in his first squad. Romania are 11/10 favourites against Northern Ireland (14/5).
Barraclough is expected to stick with the majority of the side which began the stalemate versus Netherlands in November. Forward Kyle Lafferty may be drafted into the XI ahead of Josh Magennis. Lafferty is 3/1 to score anytime with Magennis 14/5 on the same market.
Changes in defence and midfield are inevitable for Romania. Vlad Chiriches, Alexandru Cicaldau and Dan Nistor may all start in Bucharest.
Ultimately, having two new managers in charge of their first game is a difficult one to call. A draw is 2/1 odds.
Netherlands v Poland
Netherlands enjoyed a good spell under Koeman, reaching the Nations League final, while also qualifying for the European Championships next summer. It’s no surprise that they are 1/2 to beat Poland, who kick-off at 6/1 underdogs in Group A1.
Goals are expected in Amsterdam with over 2.5 goals 4/5 and both teams to score 19/20. Luuk de Jong is 7/5 to score anytime with Memphis Depay 7/2 to break the deadlock.
For Poland, they’re without Robert Lewandowski which means the goalscoring mantle will be passed to Krzysztof Piatek. The Hertha Berlin striker is 11/4 to score anytime with Arkadiusz Milik a 10/3 shot to find the net in 90 minutes.
Elsewhere, Italy are 4/11 favourites to beat Bosnia & Herzegovina (8/1) in their opening match.
A much tighter affair is expected between Norway (8/5) and Austria (9/5) with a draw 21/10. The Czech Republic are 29/20 to start with a win against Slovakia 19/10 in the pick of the Nations League contests.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
