Fifa World Cup Qualifiers Europe: Best Bets 11-12 November.

European World Cup qualifiers return on Thursday with some of the world’s best teams in action, albeit not with many direct clashes between them in this round of qualifying.

Nevertheless, an analysis of recent trends reveals that there are plenty of opportunities for great value bets this week regardless. Here are our suggestions for Thursday and Friday.

Ireland v Portugal

Portugal’s matches tend to be high-scoring due to a fearsome attack and troubles at the back. The 2016 European champions have seen three or more goals in all of their last five matches, including a 2-1 win over Ireland in the reverse fixture.

Ireland, for their part, were in hot goalscoring form in October, beating Azerbaijan 3-0 and Qatar 4-0.

On home soil, Ireland will be hoping to catch favourites Portugal on an off day. It is difficult to predict form on the day, though Portugal is clearly the better side, recent history suggests there will likely be plenty of goals regardless of the result.

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals

Greece v Spain

Spain’s form has been improving lately, with Luis Enrique blooding a new generation of stars. Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Gavi are among the notable names in the squad for this decisive round of qualifiers. 

The Euro 2020 semifinalists and 2021 UEFA Nations League runners-up are likely to sweep aside an inconsistent Greece side, recently on the end of a 2-0 defeat to Sweden.

Best Bet: Spain -1 Handicap

England v Albania

England is set to host Albania on Friday at Wembley as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw to Hungary.

However, that result aside, the Three Lions have been in impressive form. Three of their last five games have been won by four or more goals.

Gareth Southgate has no shortage of in-form players to choose from with English football at a high point.

England beat Albania 2-0 in the reverse fixture which they totally dominated with 71% possession. Home advantage is likely to play a role in another victory, this time by a more significant margin.

Best Bet: England -2 Handicap

Austria v Israel

Both Austria and Israel have left plenty to be desired with their inconsistent performances in Group F. Israel are third with 13 points from eight matches and Austria fourth with 10 from as many games. 

Israel beat Austria 5-2 in Haifa, but it is unlikely that Austria will crumble so easily on home soil at the Wörtherseestadion. Israel has proven to be a noticeably better team at home than on the road, but they are playing slightly better football than Austria at the moment.

On balance, this fixture looks likely to be a draw, and given that this is a highly profitable market, it is where we are leaning.

Best Bet: Draw

Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.