Thursday's best bets for the Euro 2020 qualifying matches

Euro 2020 qualifying preview: Free tips, predictions & best bets for Thursday's action including Republic of Ireland v Switzerland

By Paul Higham

Football

Thu September 05, 2019 · 5y ago

The latest batch of Euro 2020 qualifiers start on Thursday and Paul Higham is backing Finland and their star marksman Teemu Pukki to shine.

Recommended bets

2pts Finland to beat Greece at 23/20

1pt Eran Zahavi to score anytime at 7/5

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record

European Championship Qualifier fixtures

Republic of Ireland v Switzerland

It's a big game in Dublin as although the Irish top Group D and sit six points above Switzerland, their opponents have only played twice and can start to make up some real ground. They'll have to do that without Xherdan Shaqiri though, with the Liverpool man taking himself out of international football - robbing the Swiss of their most recognised player.

They're regular qualifiers for major tournaments of late though, and Mick McCarthy knows only too well what they can do as Switzerland beat the Republic in what was his final game of his first spell in charge of the country back in 2002.

The Irish have a strong European Championship qualifying record, but their World Cup campaign was flat and disappointing, while in both major tournament qualifiers the Swiss have won 18 of their last 22 and that form alone is enough to see them favourites here even away from home.

A draw in Denmark was a dogged, determined display from McCarthy's men, but their two wins over Gibraltar and one over Georgia saw them score just four goals and that lack of goal threat looks a continue theme for this side.

There should be plenty of passion and pace about the hosts, especially in the opening 15 minutes or so, but the lack of goals is a worry they can win as underdogs, with a draw a distinct possibility.

Best bet: Rep. Ireland to draw with Switzerland at 19/10

Romania v Spain

Four out of four so far for Spain who are bossing Group F and should stroll towards qualification, but Romania are right in the mix to join them - and a run of just one defeat in 14 games shows that they'll offer spirited resistance to the well-fancied favourites.

An upset looks a bit far fetched but having matched Spain's impressive tally of 11 goals in four games, Romania look a goo bet to find the net even against this stingy Spanish rearguard that's been breached just twice in qualifying so far.

Best bet: Spain to beat Romania & both teams to score at 9/4

Finland v Greece

We know all about Teemu Pukki now and he'll be brimming with confidence after banging in five Premier League goals in four games for Norwich, so you have to fancy his chances of netting against a Greece side who've lost their last two.

It's a great chance for second-placed Finland to put some daylight between themselves and Armenia (who face Italy) in second place as they chase a first qualification for a major tournament. Pukki is a good price to score (21/10), and Finland are a good enough price to win.

Best bet: Teemu Pukki to score anytime at 21/10

Best bet: Finland to beat Greece at 23/20

Israel v North Macedonia

Not many would have had Israel's Eran Zahavi down as a candidate for top scorer in qualifying, but he's scored seven in four games, including hat-tricks in back-to-back games to lead the charts and put Israel in with a great chance of making the Euros for the first time.

There's no reason that run can't continue with a home game against a side that has conceded seven goals already in qualifying and has lost their last two games.

Best bet: Eran Zahavi to score anytime at 7/5