Good news, this is the final international break of the season. Bad news, there’s no Premier League football because of it. However, there are at least a few exciting-looking fixtures this time around – most of the top nations are preparing for the 2018 World Cup.
Plenty of punters will be keeping a close eye on Argentina’s clash with Italy on Friday night. Jorge Sampaoli’s men are my top tip ahead of this weekend and I’m backing Lionel Messi and co to get the job done at the Etihad Stadium. Check out my best bets below…
ARGENTINA vs Italy
Argentina should have enough to emerge victorious in this fixture. Just look at their squad on paper; there are very few weaknesses, particularly in attack.
Inspired by Lionel Messi, Argentina can put on a show for the fans and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is well priced at 27/20 to score on Friday night.
Meanwhile, this Italy side is in a sorry state. It will take some time for the Italian people to forgive the national squad after failing to qualify for the World Cup – it is hard to put too much faith in Italy at this moment in time.
This ageing squad may struggle to keep tabs on Argentina’s potent offense and that is why I fancy the 10/11 for Sampaoli’s men to prevail.
TIP: Argentina to win @ 10/11
GERMANY vs SPAIN
Another exciting encounter Germany and Spain are two of Europe’s strongest nations. 2014 World Cup champions Germany will be quietly confident of victory and Joachim Loew’s men may want to send out a statement.
Unfortunately for them, Spain are no slouches and the 2010 winners will be expecting to challenge this summer. They will rely heavily on a mixture of players from Barcelona and Real Madrid...
Both teams to score is probably the best bet here at a very appealing 7/10. At that price, it is well worth sticking in an accumulator and crossing your fingers.
International football can be difficult to predict at the best of times but both have the attacking quality to score. Neither side will be going hell for leather and there could be a few lapses in concentration at the back.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 7/10
NETHERLANDS vs ENGLAND
Like Italy, the Netherlands also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but Dutch football is now heading in the right direction.
On home soil, you’d have to fancy Holland to capitalise against this shaky England defence and the 17/20 for both teams to hit the back of the net is printing money.
Another big test for Gareth Southgate as England prepare for the World Cup. There will be an intense atmosphere and the Three Lions could struggle to slow Holland down if they go for the jugular.
England will have spells of control though and I fancy the visitors to grab a goal or two. Difficult to predict a score due to so many unknowns.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 17/20
Peru vs CROATIA
A slight change of pace here. Peru ended their 36-year World Cup drought by qualifying for this summer’s competition and the South American side may struggle against some of the best teams in the world.
Yes, they play regularly against the likes of Argentina and Brazil but Peru’s lack of experience against European nations may come back to haunt them.
This should be a comfortable affair for Croatia. 10/13 is a decent price for the European side to emerge victorious in this fixture – even with a couple of key men ruled out.
Croatia have enough class and quality at both ends of the pitch to control this contest and it could be a predictable encounter. Back against Croatia at your peril…
TIP: Croatia to win @ 10/13
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
