Reporting from Bet Chat HQ, Northern Ireland…
Every man needs somebody to keep their feet on the ground and their ego in check, and Andrea (AKA #BetChatBarbie) is my person.
Should I dare big myself up in any way – like suggesting my international football accas are ‘famous’ – the response will be an entirely predictable:
“Whatever”
Followed by this face:
However, in this instance, I’m ignoring it, because you know what, in Bet Chat (and formerly Betting Rant) circles, my international accas ARE famous…
Indeed, the last time I sent one out, it won, as have many of my previous efforts.
They’re a rare treat (I only get involved in World Cup and Euro qualifiers) and, of course, they’re not guaranteed to win, but today’s effort should at least inject a little excitement into the international break we currently find ourselves wading through.
The Bet
Cyprus to beat San Marino (5pm TODAY)
You may have seen the heartwarming news back in September that San Marino had won their first competitive game in their entire history with a 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein…
While that was undoubtedly fantastic for them and their fans, it’s no coincidence that the two other victories in their history (one in a friendly and the other a subsequent Nations League match) also came against Liechtenstein…
And that’s a Liechtenstein who themselves have only won competitive games against Gibraltar and – you guessed it – San Marino – in the last 10 years.
Cyprus aren’t great, but they are a level above their opponents, as recent home wins against the likes of Lithuania, Estonia, Greece and Slovenia attest. They also won 4-1 in San Marino in a friendly last year.
England to beat Albania (19:45 today)
England are at home and their players will be desperate to impress Thomas Tuchel on his first match in charge. Albania aren’t very good.
Poland to beat Lithuania (19:45 today)
Poland have become reliable major tournament qualifiers and have won seven of their 12 home matches since the 2022 World Cup. Lithuania have lost their last seven matches, including home and away to Cyprus.
Romania to beat Bosnia (19:45 today)
The biggest priced of our selections and so, naturally, the riskiest, but I think they’re excellent value.
Romania were pretty good at the Euros, making it through to the knockout stages and, since then, have won all six matches.
Bosnia are an okay but limited side and have failed to win any of their last 12. While they were largely against decent opposition, home defeats to Ukraine and Slovakia and a 4-1 tonking at Luxembourg don’t read well in the context of this match-up.
North Macedonia to beat Liechtenstein (14:00 tomorrow)
As previously discussed, Liechtenstein are pants. North Macedonia have won their last five.
Montenegro to beat Gibraltar (17:00 tomorrow)
Gibraltar are also pants, especially away from home, while Montenegro won 3-1 in their last home match, against relative heavyweights Turkey.
Czech Republic to beat Faroe Islands (19:45 tomorrow)
The Faroes aren’t the worst team in the world, but you’d be very surprised if they got anything on their travels against a Czech side who have nine wins and one draw in their last 10 home matches.
Israel to beat Estonia (19:45 tomorrow)
Israel had a really difficult Nations League group, up against Belgium, Italy and France, but didn’t disgrace themselves, picking up a draw in France and a ‘home’ win (at a neutral location) against Belgium last time out.
That form is a big level above Estonia who – excluding Malta and San Marino – last won a competitive away game in 2018.
Wales to beat Kazakhstan (19:45 tomorrow)
Last up, we have Craig Bellamy’s rejuvenated Wales outfit who are unbeaten under his charge, including home and away wins against Montenegro, a good away draw in Turkey, and a 4-1 home win against Iceland last time out.
Kazakhstan are, unsurprisingly given their location, much better at home than away, and have lost their last eight on their travels.
The Odds
That little lot gives a best price just shy of 6/1 with the likes of Coral, Ladbrokes and bet365…
However, if you bet with bet365 and qualify for their acca boost, I would recommend removing Montenegro (who are shorter than the minimum odds) as that will effectively give you a price of 13/2 for one fewer selection.
Good luck!
