Next Round of Crucial Nations League Games This Weekend

Last month, the first UEFA Nations League tournament got underway with the first two matchdays in each of the four Leagues and the divisions contained within each. Although given a mixed reception, notably by some club managers, there is no doubt that the more competitive element of the games made for better viewing than a host of international friendlies, that have littered the international calendar in recent years.

Let’s now take a look at how the four home nations, plus the Republic of Ireland got on in their respective groups last time out, before we preview the games that they have coming up over the six-day period from Thursday through to Tuesday.

Remember too, if you fancy backing any of the tips for the matches shown below, then bet365 Sport is the place to head. If you are not yet a member you can sign up using the latest bet365 Sport New Player Promotion, which is a great way to start betting on the site.

League A – Group 4

• Matchday 1 – England 1-2 Spain
• Matchday 2 – Spain 6-0 Croatia

Spain took control of the group with two excellent wins in their first two games, a battling 2-1 win over England followed by a 6-0 demolition of World Cup finalists Croatia. It seems likely Spain will now win this group, with England and Croatia battling it out to avoid relegation down to League B for the next tournament. With that in mind, this Friday’s game between the two, a re-run of this summer’s World Cup semifinal, will be crucial.

Table

Forthcoming Games

• 12^th October – Croatia v England

Can the Three Lions gain revenge for their World Cup exit? I’m not sure. Croatia were hammered by Spain last time out, but at home they are a very, very tough team to get a result against. England have won here in the past but that was with a much more talented team. That said, I think this will still be close and at the end of 90 minutes, I think the draw at 11/5 is the best option.

• 15^th October – Spain v England

If England had a full strength side, I’d feel more confident with their chances here, but given the amount of players missing through injury and the lack of experience, I feel that Spain, who were too good at Wembley last month, will get the job done in Seville too and with this win, will likely secure top position in the group.

League B – Group 3

• Matchday 1 – Northern Ireland 1-2 Bosnia Herzegovina
• Matchday 2 – Bosnia Herzegovina 1-0 Austria

Bosnia-Herzegovina made a strong start with two excellent wins in the opening two games, away in Northern Ireland and then home to Austria, leaving them on the bring of promotion to League A. It seems likely that Northern Ireland and Austria will now be battling to avoid the drop into League C, with the game between the two on Friday being the first of two crucial games.

Table

Forthcoming Games

• 12^th October – Austria v Northern Ireland

This is a huge ask for Northern Ireland as they take on an Austrian side who I feel are the best team in the group but who now need to put together 3 wins in a row to stand a chance against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This will be close, but I am backing the Austrians to take the win at 1/2.

• 15^th October – Bosnia & Herzegovina v Northern Ireland

The Northern Irish will need a superb performance to get revenge on a team that beat them at home last month and in truth, I can’t see it. Sarajevo is a very tough place to go and get a result for a top team, let alone a rather inexperienced Northern Ireland squad, so I am backing a strong home win here.

League B – Group 4

• Matchday 1 – Wales 4-1 Republic of Ireland
• Matchday 2 – Denmark 2-0 Wales

Wales made a brilliant start in beating the Republic of Ireland, with the Welsh being 4-0 up inside 55 minutes against a young and inexperienced Irish side, however in Denmark, the Welsh struggled and Christian Eriksen was the instigator of a solid 2-0 win for the Danes. The Danes lead the group, but this is a section in which Wales will still feel they have a very good chance with Denmark still to come to Cardiff. The game v the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night in Dublin however will be critical.

Table

Forthcoming Games

• 13^th October – Republic of Ireland v Denmark

The Danes thrashed Ireland 5-1 in Dublin back in a World Cup Playoff game, following a 0-0 draw in Copenhagen in the first leg just over 12 months ago and they’ll fancy their chances here against a Republic side sorely lacking experience and firepower. As well organised as they will be, I can’t see where the home side will get their goals, so I am backing Denmark here at 6/4.

• 16^th October – Republic of Ireland v Wales

The home side will want to bounce back after suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Wales in Cardiff last month but this is a big ask against a Welsh side that has Gareth Bale in full flow. The Welsh have a stronger squad and better form and in truth I feel they will be the narrow winners here. Back Wales to win what should be a close game.

League C – Group 1

• Matchday 1 – Albania 1-0 Israel
• Matchday 2 – Scotland 2-0 Albania

Scotland always looked the strongest outfit in this League C grouping and so it proved as they defeated Albania 2-0 at Hampden Park, just a few days after the Albanians had beaten Israel in Tirana. I expect Scotland to push home that advantage on Thursday night when they take on a struggling Israel side on the road, in a game that they should be looking to win,

Table

Forthcoming Games

• 11^th October – Israel v Scotland

Israel have lost all of their last four games and I think that win over Albania will have given the Scots a real boost. Alex McLeish needed that win since taking over and I think he can push home that advantage here and I’d back the Scots to win this and you can get 2/1 on that result with bet365.

• 14^th October – Israel v Albania

Israel’s second home match in the space of three days comes against an Albanian side that beat then unconvincingly in Tirana last month. That said, Israel’s form is so poor that Albania will feel they have a chance, but in my view, this game has all the hallmarks of a draw.