There are many predictable results ahead of this weekend's international fixtures, with qualification for next summer's World Cup already having been achieved by a number of nations. This week we choose some safe bets in those matches, as well as daring to predict the outcome of a few crucial head-to-head matches in Stockholm, Zagreb and Quito.
LIKELY BETS
Germany-Ireland: GERMANY -1.5 @1.40
A football machine against a car which just has lost its driver. All in all, Germany have still not mathematically qualified, so they will want to do it in style against Ireland, winning with at least a two-goal margin. Watch out for Thomas Müller, who is set to play up front.
Estonia-Turkey: AWAY WIN @1.44
Fatih Terim recently lost his Galatasaray job but is now able to focus solely on the Turkish quest for World Cup football. Having come back into contention in their group after an awful start, it would be strange to think that Turkey would fall at the second to last hurdle. Estonia will be tougher than many expect, but Turkey's win away in Romania will have boosted their confidence, and they'll be keen to capitalise on the fact that Hungary, who are just one point ahead, play in the Netherlands.
Greece-Slovakia: HOME WIN @1.57
Greece, to put it simply, have everything to play for, while Slovakia have nothing. The Greeks are level on points with the Bosnians at the top, so if Bosnia were to fall short against Lichtenstein or Lithuania, which could prove to be a difficult game, then they will be ready to jump on the direct flight to Brazil. Meanwhile Slovakia have been very disappointing so far.
TEMPTING BETS
Denmark-Italy: UNDER 2.5 @1.61
This is the best possible moment for Denmark to meet Italy, who have already qualified and have at least 3 key players out of the game, Balotelli included. Denmark sit 1 point behind Bulgaria, so they won't be interested in a draw but will be careful not to concede a lead that would be very difficult to overturn. There have been 3 matches with under 2.5 goals in Italy's last 4 qualifying games, who this time may lack motivation as well, having already secured the first spot.
Sweden-Austria: HOME WIN @1.70
With a 3-point advantage over Austria, Sweden know that they have to play Germany in their last group game, so playing for the draw could be risky for the hosts. Ibrahimovic is lately fulfilling the leadership role that everybody expects from him, so there's even more reason to believe that they won't fail against an Austria side who will feel hard done by having had a very tough draw in Group C.
Netherlands-Hungary: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.80
Netherlands have already qualified, while Hungary have the 1-point gap to defend over Turkey. This could be one of those cases where such motivation isn't enough, but you can be sure that Hungary will give their all and throughout the qualifying stages they have always been entertaining, defensively and offensively. Their have been 4 games played between these two in the last 3 years, and an incredible average of 6 goals per game!
LONG SHOT BETS
Croatia-Belgium: DRAW FIRST HALF @2.00
Even a loss in Zagreb might not spell the end for Belgium's hopes of a place at Brazil 2014; they are currently 5 points ahead of Croatia and host Wales in their final game on Tuesday. Even a draw would guarantee their qualification, who could be without the likes of Kompany, Benteke and Dembélé. After two games without a win, Croatia won't be particularly confident and they may make a cagey start before going for the win in the second half.
Armenia-Bulgaria: AWAY WIN @2.30
Odds are very long on Bulgaria to win in Yerevan considering that Armenia have lost all 4 of their home games so far and Bulgaria have only lost 1 of their 8 qualifiers (against Italy). Bulgaria also need a win to hold off Denmark's challenge for second place, who are only 1 point behind them.
Ecuador-Uruguay: DRAW FIRST HALF @2.05
With 2 games still to play, Ecuador and Uruguay are level in 4th place on 22 points, and whoever finishes 5th faces a tough playoff against Jordan. In the final round of games Uruguay host an already qualified Argentina, while Ecuador travel to Chile, who may still not be assured of 3rd place by that time. Most importantly, Uruguay have not been brilliant lately, but their experience will be needed in the altitude of Quito. Leaving with a point would be positive for Tabarez's troops, and so the first half, at least, could be without drama.
What are your betting tips for Friday nights games? Let us know in the comments below
