* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Ah yes, the end is in sight. The international break is almost finished. Italy have surpassed a Brazilian unbeaten record, England showed us why they’re now the good guys and Valencia are going to get nine figures for Carlos Soler. But, all the fun shouldn’t be for the sides we have to watch – eventually we’ll have to be reimbursed for our focus and this is an opportunity.
As we wave goodbye to international football for another month, I’ll try and give you some level of fond memories from this; the longest week of anyone’s year. The following games are all worthy of your Both Teams To Score acca, and I’ll bring you through just why goals are the only thing you need to crave when your interest is otherwise indifferent.
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- All the below matches kick-off at 7.45pm and are Both Teams To Score (Yes) bets.
Greece v Sweden
Sweden were my outsider pick for the Euros and if Aleksandar Isak had converted a few more of his chances we might have been speaking very differently about them. At Euro 2020 Spain were the only side to keep a clean sheet against the Swedes since Portugal did so nearly a full year ago.
Despite being painted as a side who are full of old men crossing the ball into the box, their widespread footballing footprint is paying dividends now with style as well as substance. But, that transition has very much cost them solidarity at the back in exchange, meaning a Greek team who have scored in each of their last six games – including a draw with Belgium – can take advantage.
Iceland v Germany
When in doubt, back a big nation with a newly-appointed manager to both score and concede. Yes, that hasn’t worked out in Hansi Flick’s first two games, but they were against Liechtenstein and Armenia. Forgive me if I don’t consider a nation entirely based in a castle or a national side for whom Kim Kardashian is their fourth-choice midfielder as any sort of litmus test.
North Macedonia v Romania
Sometimes we like to sprinkle that idea of separating football and politics as if the sport itself is the essence of purity, but really, we do actually forget that international football is really deeply-rooted in national pride for some countries and not just a jolly-up in some European nation with a sophisticated transportation system. Since changing their name, North Macedonia has become quite a competitive outfit.
They’re piecing together notable results, particularly that win against Germany and credible draws with Slovenia and Iceland. Oh, and they attack like lunatics – much like their opposition here. So much so that their first meeting in this group produced a 3-2 scoreline and I’d not be surprised to see a repeat.
Northern Ireland v Switzerland
Well, Northern Ireland appointing a graduate from the underage structure in Ian Baraclough seemed a laughing matter given what Michael O’Neill has gone on to achieve, but they’ve exceeded all expectations now and are becoming a team that just get results.
This will be, of course, a seismic test, as Switzerland are one of the most underrated sides in Europe. But, backing Northern Ireland not to score now seems an unwise move whereas six months ago, it felt like it would land on page one of the Guide to Punting.
International football tips summary:
19:45 Greece v Sweden: Both To Teams To Score
19:45 Iceland v Germany: Both To Teams To Score
19:45 North Macedonia v Romania: Both To Teams To Score
19:45 Northern Ireland v Switzerland: Both To Teams To Score
* An accumulator on these four best bets pays at approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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FOOTBALL TIPS TODAY
- TRADER TIPS: The 3 best bets for Poland v England including a 6/1 shout
- DOUBLE: Send our 12/1 Wales & Northern Ireland punt into the top corner
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