The next round of European Championship Qualifying on Thursday, October 8 has thrown up some interesting fixtures in Groups D, F and I – none of which has yet to be decided – which form the basis of this week’s multiple bet.
Scotland currently lie fourth in Group D and defeat by Poland at Hampden Park on Thursday would end their chances of reaching the finals in France. The home side will be without Ikechi Anya, Charlie Mulgrew, James Morrison and Kevin McDonald and coming into the tie off the back of consecutive defeats by Georgia and Germany, it’s no surprise that Gordon Strachan’s men are second favourites.
By contrast, a win for Poland will see them safely into the finals, if the Republic of Ireland fail to beat Germany on the same evening. The teams drew 2-2 in the reverse fixture in Warsaw in October, Scotland having led 2-1, but the form of Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who’s scored 12 goals in his last four games for Bayern Munich, must be a major worry for home fans.
Elsewhere in Group D, the Republic of Ireland can do Scotland a favour by beating Germany, but the World Championships have recovered from a slow start to win their last five competitive matches and may prove too strong for Martin O’Neill’s side.
In Group F, a routine home win for Northern Ireland against Greece, who are out of contention, will be enough to secure qualification and, while Group I is still up for grabs, a win for Portugal against Denmark will also see Cristiano Ronaldo and company through to the finals.
Selections: Poland (17/10 with Bet365), Germany (1/2 with Bet365), Northern Ireland (8/5 with Bet365), Portugal (8/11 with Bet365), win accumulator (17.18/1 with Bet365)
