Top flight club football takes a break to observe FIFA international break as national teams across six (6) FIFA Confederations jostle for places in the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals to be held in Qatar.
This weekend, with all of Europe’s top leagues on hold, the Boom Banker’s well researched Home Wins selections for this ‘weekend of international football’ are essentially drawn from the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification series.
Let’s play along!
SERBIA vs LUXEMBOURG:
Serbia will hope it’s a case of ‘third time lucky’ next year if they qualify for Qatar 2022, having failed to negotiate the group stage in either of their two prior World Cup finals appearances as a stand-alone independent nation. They are in what already looks like a straight fight with Portugal for top spot in World Cup Qualification Group A after two wins and one draw from their opening three matchdays.
Following a 2-1 win over Azerbaijan on Wednesday, Luxembourg are the top two’s nearest chasers. They memorably won an away World Cup Qualification qualifier for only the second time in post-war history back in March (1-0 vs Rep. Ireland), and by their own standards, the Luxembourg defence has shown good resilience so far, with just four goals conceded across three World Cup Qualification rounds. However, their last ten WCQ away games vs eventual top two finishers (W1, D1, L8) tells a story of woe and caution here.
Serbia to win at 1.20 odds on Bestbet360 comes handy.
IRELAND vs AZERBAIJAN:
Ireland meet Azerbaijan for the first time in what is a must-win clash for both countries as they look for their first points in World Cup Qualification (WCQ). The Irish will be reeling after leading Portugal until the 89th minute on Wednesday before a late brace from record-breaking international scorer Cristiano Ronaldo compiled more heartache on Head Coach Stephen Kenny, who now has just one win from 14 matches in charge (D5, L8).
Another team to suffer a 2-1 loss last time out, Azerbaijan succumbed to Luxembourg which has left their very faint WC 2022 hopes in tatters. Considering they’ve only ever won seven WCQ matches since being recognised as an independent nation, their last coming against San Marino in 2017, it’s no shock that they’ve never reached a major tournament.
Ireland to secure a home win comes at 1.53 odds on Bestbet360.
FINLAND vs KAZAKHSTAN:
Despite competing in their first major tournament this year (Euro 2020), 2021 hasn’t been so successful for Finland in terms of results on the pitch. Winning just one of their nine international fixtures of any description this year (D3, L5), the hosts’ poor form has stemmed from a lack of goalscoring that has seen them fail to score in five of their previous six fixtures (W1, D1, L4).
Kazakhstan picked up their second point from three World Cup Qualifying (WCQ) matches last time out thanks to a last gasp 96th minute equaliser at home to Ukraine. That late strike keeps the underdogs of Group D in contention as they push for an unlikely first World Cup finals spot, although their competitive record vs Finland (L2) suggests this clash will be yet another uphill battle.
Finland to prevail at 1.47 odds on Bestbet360.
CAMEROON vs MALAWI:
Cameroon and Malawi get their World Cup qualifying campaigns underway when they go head to head at the Stade Olembe on Friday.
The Indomitable Lions, who have qualified for the World Cup more times than any other African country, will feel confident of a dream start in their hunt for a place in Qatar as they face an opposing side who are without a win in their last five games.
Malawi qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations by the skin of their teeth when they secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory over the Cranes of Uganda in their final Group B game on March 29.
Backing Cameroon to secure home win at 1.32 odds on Bestbet360.
TUNISIA VS EQUITORIAL GUINEA
The Stade de Rades plays host to the clash between Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea on Friday when the sides lock horns seeking to lay down an early marker in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
With five previous appearances under their belt, the hosts will be unfazed by the task that lies ahead while the same cannot be said about the visitors who are looking to book a place at the global event for the first time.
Overall, Friday’s hosts have won three of the previous five encounters involving the teams, losing just once in that time which came in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Equatorial Guinea saw their three-game winning run come to an end following a 2-1 defeat versus Tunisia on March 28 in their final AFCON qualifier.
This game looks as though it should be a fairly easy victory for Tunisia at 1.20 odds on Bestbet360
Bestbet360 Booking Code: 0YXKARW
This 8-game Home Wins ACCA bet slip of 10.98 odds presents a very good opportunity for both low and high stakers to make instant megabucks on Bestbet360 this weekend.
Remember to always bet responsibly!