Europe WC Qualifications - September 2021
- Thread starter spkutano
- Start date
N.Macedonia vs Armenia Preview:
The Macedonians also made an inaugural appearance at a major tournament this summer when they participated at the European Championship. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the group stage after lost all three matches from Austria, Ukraine, and Netherlands. The Lions will try to secure a place in the 2022 World Cup finals when they take on Armenia at Todor Proeski Arena in Skopje. The whole nation was in delirium after the big victory against Germany. N.Macedonia will try to keep the momentum, but there are some important news. First of all, coach Igor Angelovski "Mrme" was replaced with Blagoja Milevski, while the captain Goran Pandev retired from the national team. Two more players - Ferhan Hasani and Egzon Bejtulai - are not called. Nevertheless, most of the players are the same. The key names in the national team are Eljif Elmas from Napoli, Enis Bardhi from Levante and the former Leeds United winger Ezgjan Alioski.
Armenia will try to maintain the perfect record in Group J of the World Cup Qualifications. They picked up three straight victories in the group - the narrow 0:1 away win in Liechtenstein was followed by two consecutive home victories over the likes of Iceland and Romania. Armenian coach Joaquin Caparros could be satisfied, they are first with 9 points. Even better, Capaross will have the best player Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the team and that's a big boost. Roma star haven't featured for the national team since October 2020, However, Norberto Briasco from Boca Juniors did not came due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. He is born in Argentina, but his parents have Armenians origins and he decided to play for the Armenian national team. Tigran Barseghyan arrived in Skopje, but won't play due to accumulated yellow cards. Gevorg Ghazaryan is out injured, while Varazdat Haroyan from Cadiz and Khoren Bayramyan, from FK Rostov are also unavailable.
N.Macedonia vs Armenia Prediction:
This should be a nervous match without much beauty. The Macedonians will try to win, but it won’t be easy without Goran Pandev. The hosts will have problem to break down an Armenian defense that secured two clean sheets in three matches. I expect a low scoring game with no more than two goals scored over 90 minutes.
N.Macedonia vs Armenia Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.70 with Pinnacle
The Macedonians also made an inaugural appearance at a major tournament this summer when they participated at the European Championship. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the group stage after lost all three matches from Austria, Ukraine, and Netherlands. The Lions will try to secure a place in the 2022 World Cup finals when they take on Armenia at Todor Proeski Arena in Skopje. The whole nation was in delirium after the big victory against Germany. N.Macedonia will try to keep the momentum, but there are some important news. First of all, coach Igor Angelovski "Mrme" was replaced with Blagoja Milevski, while the captain Goran Pandev retired from the national team. Two more players - Ferhan Hasani and Egzon Bejtulai - are not called. Nevertheless, most of the players are the same. The key names in the national team are Eljif Elmas from Napoli, Enis Bardhi from Levante and the former Leeds United winger Ezgjan Alioski.
Armenia will try to maintain the perfect record in Group J of the World Cup Qualifications. They picked up three straight victories in the group - the narrow 0:1 away win in Liechtenstein was followed by two consecutive home victories over the likes of Iceland and Romania. Armenian coach Joaquin Caparros could be satisfied, they are first with 9 points. Even better, Capaross will have the best player Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the team and that's a big boost. Roma star haven't featured for the national team since October 2020, However, Norberto Briasco from Boca Juniors did not came due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. He is born in Argentina, but his parents have Armenians origins and he decided to play for the Armenian national team. Tigran Barseghyan arrived in Skopje, but won't play due to accumulated yellow cards. Gevorg Ghazaryan is out injured, while Varazdat Haroyan from Cadiz and Khoren Bayramyan, from FK Rostov are also unavailable.
N.Macedonia vs Armenia Prediction:
This should be a nervous match without much beauty. The Macedonians will try to win, but it won’t be easy without Goran Pandev. The hosts will have problem to break down an Armenian defense that secured two clean sheets in three matches. I expect a low scoring game with no more than two goals scored over 90 minutes.
N.Macedonia vs Armenia Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.70 with Pinnacle
Slovakia vs Croatia Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Slovaka:
Rodak; Pekarik, Satka, Skriniar, Holubek; Hamsik, Lobotka, Kucka; Schranz, Bozenik, Mak
Croatia:
Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Skoric, Sosa; Pasalic, Brozovic, Kovacic; Vlasic; Kramaric, Perisic
Slovakia welcome Croatia in the World Cup qualifying campaign in a very close Group H, where first and bottom placed sides are separated by just three points. Slovakia have one win and three draws so far. They beat the toughest opponents - Russia, but dropped points in the matches against "small teams" like Cyprus and Malta. On Wednesday Slovakia shared the points with Slovenia, playing a 1:1 draw in Ljubljana. According to me, this could be evaluated as positive result, particularly because Croatia lost the same fixture. The Slovakians took a lead thanks to Robert Bozenik's goal in the 32nd minute, but conceded in the finish of the first half. It is clear that away fixtures are big problem for Stefan Tarkovic's men. However, they are hosts now and winning three points from this match could be very important. Most of the players that started in Ljubljana should keep their places, though Robert Mak and Ondrej Duda are looking for place in midfield.
Croatia are on the first place in the group with seven points. It was somehow expected as they are the vice-champions from the last World Cup. But one thing is clear, they are not playing at highest level. The retirement of some players and the change of generations are between the reasons. As a result, the Blazers suffered a shocking defeat to Slovenia in the opening round. But Zlatko Dalic's men have two wins and one draw on the last three matches. First they beat Cyprus with 1:0 thanks to the first half goal scored by Mario Pasalic. The second victory was obtain against Malta. Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Josip Brekalo secured a high 3:0 win. Three days ago Croatia played a goalless draw with Russia. As You could see, Croatia have scored four goals on four matches of the qualifications, all of them at home. It is clear the attack need improvement when playing away, starting from this match. Coach Dalic has some additional issues as defender Duje Caleta-Car suffered an injury against Russia and he is rated as doubtful. Mile Skoric could star in the heart of the defense if the Marseille player is unavailable.
Slovakia vs Croatia Prediction:
I expect tight match and Under 2.5 goals. Croatia are better side and they will dominate. But Zlatko Dalic's men are yet to score away from home in the qualifications. It won't be easy without key player Luka Modric. That is why I believe this will be a low scoring match in Bratislava.
Slovakia vs Croatia Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.74 with 188Bet
Ukraine vs France Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Ukraine:
Pyatov; Mykolenko, Matvienko, Zabarnyi; Karavaev, Shaparenko, Sydorchuk, Sobol; Yarmolenko, Malinovskiy; Yaremchuk
France:
Lloris; Dubois, Varane, Kimpembe, Digne; Pogba, Rabiot; Coman, Griezmann, Lemar; Benzema
Ukraine and France will play the derby match in Group D. The top two teams in the qualification group will try to get positive result from the match that will be played at the NSK Olimpiyskiy in Kiev. Ukraine have four points after they played draw on all four matches. They shared the points with France in Paris, with Finland at home and twice against Kazakhstan. Dropping four points in two matches against Kazakhstan could be a big problem at the end of the campaign. Oleksandr Petrakov's men are unbeaten, but still winless. So far the tally of four draws and four points is enough to see them second on the table, but this situation could easily be changed in opponents' favour. Ukraine are 25th on FIFA ranking and they have to register victory as soon as possible. Coach Petrakov has an additional problem as his key player Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City will miss the match due to accumulated yellow cards. His replacement Mykola Shaparenko isn't at desired level. Veteran goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov is set for his 99th international appearance after three other - Andriy Lunin, Heorhiy Bushchan and Anatoliy Trubin - are all unavailable due to various reasons.
France are first in the group with eight points. So far they have two wins and two draws. Interesting, they won both matches played on road, while dropped four points as hosts. Didier Deschamps' men beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica, but weren't able to repeat the success in Paris three days ago. Edin Dzeko shocked the French fans in the 36th minute, while Antoine Griezmann equalized before half time. Nevertheless, the key moment happened early in the second half when Jules Kounde was sent off for a rash challenge on Sead Kolasinac. Les Blues also failed to beat Ukraine in the reverse fixture played in March. Griezmann and Serhiy Sydorchuk were on target as the match finished with a 1:1 draw. However, France are favorites in this match, but it won't be easy. Deschamps has some additional issues as Jules Kounde is out suspended, while his potential back-up Benjamin Pavard is not available due to injury. Most probably Leo Dubois will start as right back. Four additional players are struggling with injury. Kylian Mbappe has returned to Paris after picking up a calf injury, while N'Golo Kante, Dayot Upamecano and Corentin Tolisso have already withdrawn from the squad. As a result, Adrien Rabiot was called up in the national team and could start here.
Ukraine vs France Prediction:
I expect both teams to score in Kiev. Ukraine have played four matches in the qualifications and they scored and conceded on each of them. France, meanwhile, have scored and conceded on the last four matches, one in the current qualifications and three played at European Championship (1:1 with Hungary, 2:2 with Portugal and 3:3 with Switzerland).
Ukraine vs France Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 2.25 with 10Bet
Iceland vs N.Macedonia Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Iceland:
Runarsson; Saevarsson, Hermannsson, Bjarnason, Thorarinsson; Bjarnason, Palsson, Baldursson; Albert Gudmundsson, Gudjohnsen, Johann Gudmundsson
N.Macedonia:
Dimitrievski; Alioski, Musliu, Ristovski, Velkovski; Bardhi, Churlinov, Elmas, Kostadinov, Trajkovski; Jahovic
Iceland will host the Macedonian national team at the Laugardalsvollur in the World Cup 2022 qualifying match from Group J. Both team currently sit outside of the top two positions, so they need a victory and three points. Iceland have just three points after the first four rounds. They beat poor Liechtenstein, but lost the remaining three fixtures. The Nordic outfit lost 3:0 to Germany, 2:0 to Armenia and 2:0 to Romania three days ago. As You could see, they failed to score a single goal on those three matches. They had 55% possession on the last game, but registered only three shots on target. It is clear coach Arnar Vidarsson must change something to improve the efficiency. The Nordic outfit trail the first placed Armenia by 7 points and must start winning games if they want to see Qatar next year. According to latest news, Andri Gudjohnsen could replace Vidar Kjartansson in the attack.
The Macedonian national team have mixed results in the qualifications for the 2020 World Cup in Qatar. The Lions have two wins, one draw and one defeat so far. They beat Liechtenstein at home and Germany away, lost to Romania and shared the points with Armenia three days ago. It was a poor display by the Macedonian players. The change of the coach Igor Angelovski "Mrme" looks wrong at the moment. His successor Blagoja Milevski isn't at desired level. He worked with U-21 national team, know the majority of the players, but the lack of experience is definitely a problem. The captain Goran Pandev retired from the national team and it seems it won't be easy to be replaced. The key names in the national team - Eljif Elmas from Napoli and Enis Bardhi from Levante - were poor against Armenia and failed to inspire the teammates. They created quite few chances and the strikers were useless. If something could be rated as positive, that's the fact goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski kept the net untouched. As a result, there will likely be no defensive changes. Milan Ristovski, who came as a substitute on Thursday, could start the match as one of the strikers.
Iceland vs N.Macedonia Preview:
I expect Under 2.5 goals in Reykjavik. Iceland have big attacking problems, they failed to score on three of the four matches in the qualifications. The Macedonians, meanwhile, played a goalless draw with Armenia on Thursday. They are struggling without Pandev and didn't create many chances on that match. Considering the previously mentioned facts, I expect a low efficient game.
Iceland vs N.Macedonia Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.72 with 188Bet
France vs Finland Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
France:
Lloris; Dubois, Varane, Kimpembe, Digne; Rabiot, Veretout, Pogba; Griezmann; Benzema, Martial
Finland:
Hradecky; Vaisanen, Arajuuri, O'Shaughnessey; Alho, Valakari, Kamara, Taylor, Uronen; Pohjanpalo, Pukki
This is a derby between France and Finland, AKA the leaders of the group against the second-placed. France are huge favorites, even more as they are hosts - the match will be played at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon. The actual World Champions came from behind to rescue a point against Ukraine in Kiev three days ago. The opponents took advantage through Mykola Shaparenko in the first half, but Anthony Martial equalized in the 50th minute. Didier Deschamps' men had 61% possession but dropped two points after the match finished with an 1:1 draw. It was similar in the previous match when they were held to a stalemate by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Les Blues are now five games without a win in all competitions. After these disappointing results, coach Deschamps may revert back to a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Benzema and Martial as forwards, while Griezmann behind them. Deschamps will be missing several players - Jules Kounde, who saw a red card against Bosnia, has withdrawn from the squad, while Kylian Mbappe, N'Golo Kante, Dayot Upamecano, and Corentin Tolliso are out injured.
Finland are second on the table with five points, but need a positive result here to remain on that position. Bosnia and Herzegovina, who have two points, should win against the bottom Kazakhstan at home, so Finland could easily drop on the table. The Nordic outfit have one win and two draws so far. They shared the points with Bosnia and Ukraine, while three days ago managed to beat Kazakhstan with 1:0. The only goal was scored by Joel Pohjanpalo in the finish of the match. Coach Markku Kanerva is doing an excellent job and the fans are dreaming about a first-ever appearance at a World Cup Finals. A victory in France will surely be something to help this dream become a reality. I agree this is an extremely difficult task, however, nothing is impossible. Even more, Finland have a 2:0 friendly win over the World Champions at the Stade de France in November 2020. So, nothing is impossible in football, David could beat Goliath sometime. Kanerva has no new injury or suspension worries. On the positive note, Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is available after missed out the match with Kazakhstan due to suspension.
France vs Finland Preview:
France are favorites in this match, but Finland are more than capable of making them problems. But France are the World Champions and the quality is on their side. The only question is - will they struggle for inspiration? II don't think so, coach Deschamps must find a way to motivate his players. France should win with at least two goals.
France vs Finland Pick: France -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.68 with 188bet
Ukraine vs France 1-1
Ukraine vs France Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 2.25 with 10Bet
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Wales vs Estonia Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Wales:
Ward; Gunter, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Ampadu, Allen; Wilson; Bale, Harris, James
Estonia:
Hein; Puri, Tamm, Kuusk, Mets, Pikk; Vassiljev, Kreida, Kait; Anier, Sappinen
Wales, who were very handicapped on the last game, are just step away to make it two wins in a row in World Cup qualifications when they host Estonia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Three days ago Robert Page's men won 3:2 as guests against Belarus. Wales were without half of the team - Harry Wilson was suspended, lot more players were injured, infected or had administrative issues. Aaron Ramsey, Kieffer Moore, Connor Roberts, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, David Brooks, Neco Williams and George Thomas were all out injured, goalkeeper Adam Davies was tested positive for coronavirus, while Brandon Cooper, Ethan Ampadu and Tyler Roberts missed the game because of visa issues. And yet Wales obtained a last-minute victory thanks to Gareth Bale's hat-trick. Just to mention, Bale has been involved in all five of Wales' goals in this qualifying campaign, scoring three and assisted two. The Dragons are now in a very strong position, a victory here will saw them two points ahead of the Czech Republic with a match in hand. Page is still missing a number of players, but Cooper, Ampadu and Roberts are available, as well as Harry Wilson. On Monday morning came another good news - Joe Rodon is back in the squad.
Estonia are the worst side in Group E - three matches, three defeats, zero points and 15 conceded goals. They are on the 110th place at FIFA ranking and haven't won an official match for almost three years, since November 2018. They lost 6:2 to Czech Republic, lost 4:2 to Belarus and lost 5:2 to Belgium. As You could see, Estonia managed to score two goals on each game, even against the best team in the group Belgium. Rauno Sappinen and Henri Anier scored against Czech Republic, Anier was double scorer against Belarus, while Mattias Kait and Erik Sorga found the back of the net against the Belgians. On Sunday Estonia played a friendly against Northern Ireland and lost 1:0. Coach Thomas Haberli rested some of his key players, while Henri Anier and Sander Puri have played just 45 minutes. Mattias Kait will likely be recalled in the starting lineup after being brought off the bench against Northern Ireland. Haberli has a fully-fit 25-players' squad heading into the match.
Wales vs Estonia Prediction:
I expect both teams to score in Cardiff. Wales are favorites, play at home and have Gareth Bale in good form. It will be a big surprise not to score against team that conceded 15 goals on three matches. So, it's all about Estonia, are they capable of scoring? According to me, the team that scored twice against Belgium and Czech Republic should be good enough to score against Wales.
Wales vs Estonia Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 3.05 with 10bet
N.Macedonia vs Romania Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
N.Macedonia:
Dimitrievski; Ristovski, Velkovski, Alioski, Musliu; Elmas, Kostadinov, Spirovski, Churlinov; Ristovski, Bardhi
Romania:
Nita; Manea, Rus, Nedelcearu, Tosca; Olaru, Stanciu, Marin; Hagi, Cordea, Markovic
The Macedonians will try to remain competitive in the battle for the second place in the group when they take on Romania at Todor Proeski Arena in Skopje. The atmosphere in the national team was at highest level after the big victory against Germany, but it seems the momentum is lost after dropping four points on the last two matches. The Lions now have two wins, two draws and one defeat. They beat Liechtenstein at home and Germany away, lost to Romania and shared the points with Armenia and Iceland three days ago. It was a disappointing draw as the Macedonian players had two-goal advantage thanks to goals from Darko Velkovski and fellow defender Ezgjan Alioski. Even more, the midfielders fully controlled the match and three points look secured. Nevertheless, the Macedonian defense collapsed in the finish of the match and Iceland scored twice to equalize the result. I think the new coach Blagoja Milevski isn't at desired level and he is lacking an international experience. Despite the poor finish in Reykjavik, it is unlikely Milevski to make some defensive changes. After coming on from the bench against Iceland, there could be a start for Adis Jahovic or Aleksandar Trajkovski in the attack.
Romania have nine points after five matches. They won three games, while lost the remaining two. They managed to beat N.Macedonia in the reverse fixture, as well as Iceland and Liechtenstein in the most recent outcome. Romania picked up a routine 2:0 win against the European minnows thanks to goals scored by Alin Tosca and Cristian Manea. Everything happened early in the first half and I think they want to remain fresh for this match. At the moment they are just one point behind second-placed Armenia. The situation could be changed, but the Tricolorii need to win in Skopje. Of course, the situation could be changed in other way too. Romania sit just one point ahead of the Lions and a defeat here could see them dropping on the table. Romania have not been part of the World Cup since France 1998. The players will enter the match fully motivated. Jovan Markovic has recovered and lead the line on Sunday and should continue. However, Denis Alibec was not fit enough to be involved in that game and he is rated as doubtful.
N.Macedonia vs Romania Prediction:
The first match between these two teams was very exciting. Romania secured two-goal advantage after 50 minutes, but Ademi and Trajkovski equalized in the finish of the match. However, Hagi Junior scored a late winner for the match to end 3:2. I believe Romania will stay unbeaten in Skopje. It's very simple, the Macedonians lost the momentum. Romania have managed to pick up crucial victories against Iceland and Liechtenstein and the players confidence is higher.
N.Macedonia vs Romania Pick: Romania +0.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.61 with 188bet
Latest news: Romania in complicated situation after four players tested positive on COVID-19. Ianis Hagi is one of them, as well as Marin, Nedelku and Cicaldau. It is possible there are more cases. That is why I will suggest something else:
N.Macedonia vs Romania Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.90 with Bet365
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