Our best bets for Euro 2020 qualifying
Our best bets for Euro 2020 qualifying

European Championship betting preview: Free tips & best bets for Sunday's Euro 2020 qualifiers


The Euro 2020 qualifiers continue on Sunday with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all in action. Tom Carnduff has four best bets.


Recommended bets

1pt Ondrej Duda to score anytime in Wales v Slovakia at 27/5

1pt Croatia to win and over 2.5 goals in the match at 2/1

1pt Callum McGregor to score anytime in San Marino v Scotland at 11/5

1pt Niall McGinn to score anytime in Northern Ireland v Belarus at 7/2

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


Kazakhstan v Russia - 1400 GMT

The hosts managed to wrap up a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland in their opening match and, while the attention is on Scotland in the aftermath, it should be said that Kazakhstan played well in that game.

Russia did well in their own World Cup, reaching the quarter-final stage, but have been slightly hit-and-miss since then. They finished second in their Nations League group, while losing 3-1 in their opening qualifier against Belgium.

There will be a significant absence in the Russian midfield with Aleksandr Golovin suspended following a red card last time out. For Kazakhstan though, they will be focusing on their right-side as their best chance of success.

That's reflected in the fact that their three goals against Scotland were scored by players lining-up on the right-side of the pitch. They will be looking for a repeat of that here as they aim to secure an unlikely spot at the finals.

Russia also have goals in them despite a key absence in midfield and should be able to strike. The general price of 11/10 on both teams scoring in this game is a price worth taking.

Best bet: Both teams to score at 11/10


Wales v Slovakia - 1400 GMT

Wales managed a narrow victory against Trinidad & Tobago in their warm-up for this one, although Ryan Giggs opted to rest a number of his big-hitters in Wrexham.

The likes of Gareth Bale, David Brooks and Aaron Ramsey should all come into the line-up with Wales aiming to kick off their campaign with three points, while Slovakia are looking to make it two wins from two.

Despite some big names in their side, Wales do concede goals - particularly when playing at home. Denmark, Spain, Ireland and Panama have all managed to find the net when playing in Cardiff.

While Bale may be most people's 'go-to man' when looking for a goalscorer, there is a case to be made for Ondrej Duda scoring anytime in this one - particularly at a price of 27/5.

The Hertha Berlin man has hit ten goals in 25 Bundesliga games this season, while contributing a further three assists. He's enjoying a really positive season and started in the striker role for their game against Hungary.

He scored in that game, and can do the same as they look to gain a positive result on the road.

Best bet: Ondrej Duda to score anytime at 27/5


Hungary v Croatia - 1700 GMT

Last year's beaten World Cup finalists failed to make the finals of the Nations League, but they should qualify top of Group E given the opposition they find themselves up against.

They kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Hungary, sitting second on goal difference after one game. The hosts may have been beaten last time out, but they were a strong home team in the Nations League.

They do have goals in them too, hitting the net twice in each of those three games. Given Croatia's strengths, this is a game where we could see a high goal tally.

The majority of their World Cup games did also see over 2.5 goals, and the same can be backed here at a price of 21/20, which is one to include in any accumulators.

If you're after an outright result, it's difficult to look past a Croatian victory at a price of 4/5. Backing an away victory with three or more goals in the game gives a general price of 2/1 though, which looks the most appealing option.

Best bet: Croatia to win and over 2.5 goals in the match at 2/1


San Marino v Scotland - 1700 GMT

Even by Scotland's standards, they should be winning this game.

Alex McLeish's side were humiliated in Kazakhstan but this is the one game they would have wanted as they aim to bounce back.

The value is in goalscorers here with Scotland expected to find the net on multiple occasions. The likes of Oliver Burke, Oli McBurnie and Johnny Russell are all odds-on, but the 11/5 available on Callum McGregor scoring did catch the eye.

The visitors should see plenty of shots on goal and a high possession percentage in the opposition half. McGregor has hit six goals in all competitions for Celtic this season as is waiting for the first goal for his country.

Against the smaller nations, when Scotland are on the front foot more, McGregor does try to find the net. Their Nations League win over Albania saw eight shots from the midfielder, while there were four in their 2-1 win over Israel.

They'll be desperate to bounce back and will need goals here to try and recover some of their lost goal difference. Other teams in the group will add to their goals scored column when they take on San Marino, and Scotland need to ensure they do the same.

Best bet: Callum McGregor to score anytime at 11/5


Netherlands v Germany - 1945 GMT

The eye-catching game on Sunday sees a Nations League repeat as bitter rivals Netherlands face Germany.

Recent years have seen Germany dominate on the world stage with Netherlands failing to make major tournaments. Now, the Dutch look like the side on the up while Die Mannschaft are undergoing a rebuild following their shambolic performance at the World Cup in Russia.

The value is there in the 29/20 general price on a home victory. Netherlands are in a much stronger position than they have been with a number of players starring in Europe's top leagues.

They won in convincing fashion when they met in the home tie of their Nations League group, while earning a 2-2 draw when the game was played in Germany.

The Netherlands are an even stronger side when playing in front of their own supporters. They've won their last four at home, which includes a 2-0 victory over World Cup winners France.

Germany, on the other hand, lost both of their away games in the Nations League and were booed during their 1-1 draw with Serbia in midweek.

Best bet: Netherlands to win at 29/20


Northern Ireland v Belarus - 1945 GMT

Michael O'Neill's men kicked off their campaign with victory and they should make it two from two against Belarus at Windsor Park.

The Green and White Army seem to be fairly unlucky when it comes to qualification groups as they end up with two big-hitters. However, given Germany's struggles, they have every chance of snatching the runners-up spot behind Netherlands.

It seems like it will be a low-scoring affair and should be a similar outcome to the result against Estonia. Bailey Peacock-Farrell is capable of keeping another clean sheet while the Northern Ireland attack should be too much.

A best price of 7/2 is available on Niall McGinn to score anytime in this one. He netted in their victory last time out as is likely to line-up on the right wing again following that positive performance.

He's done well on his return to the national side after an absence and will be eager to cement a starting position. Due to a large number of substitute appearances in his earlier games for his country, McGinn's goal-scoring record isn't as good as they would have hoped.

However, a start here presents another good opportunity to find the net - an opportunity he can take if it presents itself.

Best bet: Niall McGinn to score anytime at 7/2


Odds correct at 1405 GMT (22/03/19)

Follow Sporting Life on social media - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLifeFC

Related football links

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Join for Free
Image of stables faded in a gold gradientGet exclusive Willie Mullins insight, plus access to premium articles, expert tips and Timeform data, plus more...
Log in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits

FOOTBALL TIPS