England vs Croatia Predictions
Over 2.5 Goals
Even though the Nations League does draw criticism, it does give us an indication of where teams are at heading into a major tournament. Croatia lost all four games to France and Portugal – with all seeing over 2.5 goals and three going above a very high 4.5 line. It would be fair to expect goals here given the firepower England have at their disposal and a weak Croatia backline. With Harry Kane hungry for yet more goals, you can’t help but expect this would happen as well. Bet9ja have 2.16 odds, Bet365 have 2.20 and 1xbet have 2.29.
Both teams to score
While we expect a decent amount of goals, it could be one where both teams score as well. England will be looking to avenge their 2-1 loss to the Croats in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Croatia might be the underdogs here but we expect they can equally get on the score-sheet at least once. Their backline might not be star-studded but they do boast a lot of star names in attack that could cause havoc to the England defence. Bet9ja have 1.87 odds, Bet635 have 2.20 and 1xbet have 2.25.
Austria vs North Macedonia Predictions
Double Chance
As much as the bookies suggest that Austria should walk this result, there is no guarantee of that what so over. Franco Fonda’s troops have not found the back of the net in three games, which included a 4-0 thrashing by Denmark and a 1-0 loss to England. They also failed to score against Slovakia in a 0-0 affair, and their only win in their last six came against the Faroe Islands. Macedonia will fancy their chances of hitting Austria on the break through the attacking quality they do possess, especially through Enis Bardhi and Eljif Elmas, as well as the ever-present Goran Pandev. With that in mind, it’s safe to say the win can go either way. Bet9ja and Bet365 have 1.30 odds while 1xbet have 1.45.
Under 2.5 Goals
This maybe has more to do with Austria’s inability to find the back of the net more than North Macedonia putting in a blinding performance, but the latter cannot be discounted either. Austria have not scored in their last-three fixtures, and Franco Foda seems incapable squeezing out any measure of consistency from what is a good side. North Macedonia are sure to play with freedom and enjoy their first-ever taste of the Euros. It might be safe not to expect too much from this game. Bet9ja have 1.60 odds, Bet365 have 1.61 and 1xbet have 1.63.
Netherlands vs Ukraine Predictions
Netherlands to Win
These two countries have only met twice before but so far the Netherlands lead the head-to-head record with one win and one draw against Ukraine. The Netherlands have won four of their last six international matches, claiming a 3-0 victory in their final warm-up friendly against Georgia. Ukraine are in the midst of an unbeaten run but have only played one tough fixture during that period, away at France, and remain the underdogs for Sunday’s clash. Netherlands are in better form at the moment and we just don’t see Ukraine causing any trouble. Bet365 have 1.57 odds, Bet9ja have 1.64 and 1xbet have 1.66.
Over 2.5 Goals
When the Netherlands last beat Ukraine, over 2.5 goals were scored and five of the last six matches involving the Dutch have also seen at least three goals scored. Ukraine’s last match against Cyprus produced over 2.5 goals and the Eastern Europeans are in good form in front of goal. With that in mind, we expect this tip to play through today. Bet9ja and Bet365 have 2.10 odds while 1xbet have theirs at 2.25.
Anytime Goal-scorer
Kane
Harry Kane will be the man trusted with getting revenge on Croatia for that World Cup heartache. The Tottenham man was rested in the win over Romania and should be going into this one all guns blazing. He’s the big fancy of many to win the Golden Boot for the entire tournament – and barring injury, the man is almost guaranteed goals. He won the Golden Boot in the 2018 World Cup while below his best and was the Premier League’s top scorer last season despite Spurs’ struggles.
Asides goals, Kane could easily grab an assist too. He has seen an assist in two of his last four England outings. He had five in Euro qualifying and got one when England beat Croatia to qualify for the finals of the Nations League in 2019. The Three Lions captain also assisted two in the victory in Spain in the same campaign. Bet365 have 2.05 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 2.30.
Depay
Memphis Depay has had another stellar season as Lyon skipper, netting 21 goals in the French side’s 2020-21 campaign including six in his final six Ligue 1 matches. Playing up top for the Netherlands he’s also in a purple patch for the Oranje, scoring three in two friendlies in June and finding the net four more times in an orange shirt this year. Considering he’s also on penalties and free-kick duty, he’s a good bet to get on the score-sheet for sure. Bet365 have 2.30 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 2.60.
Pandev
Captain Goran Pandev will undoubtedly grab the headlines as a 37-year-old leading the line, which may be humorous to some, but he performs for his country in the big occasions, and is supported by some very accomplished players. Bet365 have 5.00 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have theirs at 5.50.
Perisic
With uncertainty over who will start up top for Croatia, it might be wiser to bet on winger Ivan Perisic for a goal. The 32-year-old scored in the draw with Armenia and remains one of their most threatening and experienced attacking options upfront. Similar to Pandev above, Bet365 also have 5.00 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have theirs at 5.50.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
