October World Cup Qualifiers Tips: Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland In Action
World Cup qualifying is approaching a key stage for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, who remain in contention to earn a place at next summer’s 48-team event.
The Scots are the best placed of the trio with four points taken from two games, although they cannot afford any complacency as they prepare to host Greece, who are just one point worse off in qualifying Group C.
Northern Ireland sit second in Group A as they prepare for a massive match at home to sectional leaders Slovakia.
And Group F basement boys Republic of Ireland are in urgent need of a victory as they attempt to spring a major surprise away to first-placed Portugal.
Tip 1 - Scotland draw no bet @ 17/20
Scotland are off to a solid start in World Cup qualifying and can move on to seven points from three games by defeating Greece at Hampden Park.
Steve Clarke’s side had an uncertain start to the year which included a 3-1 aggregate loss to Greece in a Nations League promotion/relegation play-off.
But they always had one eye on peaking for World Cup qualifying and got off to a strong start with a well-deserved 0-0 draw away to Denmark and a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Belarus.
The Scots have home games against Greece and Belarus on their October schedule and are approaching them in good shape with key players seemingly fully fit and raring to go.
They will be respectful of Greece, who impressed as runners-up to England in Nations League Group B2.
But the Greeks are under massive pressure after last month’s 3-0 loss at home to Denmark and they may struggle to find the right response.
Tip 2 - Northern Ireland to win @ 11/8
Northern Ireland are the third seeds in World Cup qualifying Group A, but they can stay in the race for first place by defeating section leaders Slovakia at Windsor Park.
A three-horse race has developed with Slovakia top of the pile on six points and Northern Ireland and Germany three points further back.
Germany had been expected to breeze through the process, but they suffered a shock 2-0 loss away to Slovakia and were far from convincing 3-1 winners at home to Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland’s loss to the Germans was a setback after they had started with a 3-1 victory away to Luxembourg.
But Michael O’Neill’s men competed superbly against the Germans and are looking stronger for the October schedule with Daniel Ballard, Conor Hazard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown and Paul Smyth all back from injuries.
Slovakia are in pole position with maximum points on the board, but they were unimpressive 1-0 winners away to Luxembourg and are at risk of being beaten in Belfast.
Tip 3 - Portugal to win and both teams to score @ 21/10
Republic of Ireland are just two games into their Group F campaign, but are already approaching the last-chance saloon as they prepare to take on sectional leaders Portugal in Lisbon.
The Boys in Green are hoping to feature at a World Cup for the first time since 2002, but they have a mountain to climb after a 2-2 draw at home to Hungary and a 2-1 loss away to Armenia.
And, after taking just one point from the supposedly easier fixtures, Heimir Halgrimsson’s side must attempt to come up with a massive performance and result against Portugal, who won a second Nations League title earlier this year.
Portugal have never won the World Cup, but they deserve to be considered among the genuine contenders at next year’s finals.
They have a wealth of attacking talent, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be aiming to add to his tally of 141 international goals.
However, the Iberians have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight games and they might struggle to shut out the Irish, who have found the net in five of their last six fixtures.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
