A good weekend for the column with our treble bet landing but it would have been even better if Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez had not fluffed his lines from the penalty spot at Anfield. International action now takes centre stage for a while and there are some decent games this week, including Wales’ clash with Spain.
Running total: -£12.97
The Banker
Gareth Bale is a doubt for Wales on Thursday and if the Real Madrid man doesn’t make it then Spain surely represent banker material in Cardiff. Bale is Wales’ record scorer but may not be risked at the Principality Stadium because they are then in competitive action against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin five days later. The last time these teams met, Mark Hughes inspired the Welsh to a famous 3-0 victory. However new Spain coach Luis Enrique has enjoyed a stellar start to life in charge of La Roja with victories over England and World Cup finalists Croatia. They should have too much quality here and 7/5 looks a decent price for them to win the match by more than one goal.
Selection: £5 on Spain (-1) to beat Wales at 7/5 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Portugal will be missing Cristiano Ronaldo when they face Poland in the UEFA Nations League and the draw at 21/10 could be the way to bet in that one. Poland are usually strong on home soil and Portugal’s win ratio when Ronaldo has not been involved is nothing to write home about. As stated Spain (8/15) should have too much for Wales, while we also like the look of Italy at 8/11 to see off Ukraine. The Italians are winless in their last four outings under Roberto Mancini but should edge a close game in Genoa on Wednesday evening.
Selection: £2 on the treble at 7.21/1 with bet365.
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The First Goal Flutter
Marco Asensio has yet to set the world on fire this season and has only scored once for Real Madrid despite being a regular starter for Los Blancos. However as demonstrated last season, he possesses great pace and eye for goal. If he gets the nod to play for Spain in a more advanced role in Cardiff, which is likely, he could be worth a punt at 6/1 to score first.
Selection: £1 on Asensio to score first at 6/1 with bet365.
The Euro wager
Israel looked terrible in losing 3-0 to Northern Ireland last time out so it’s surprising to see bookmakers chalking them up as betting favourites to beat Scotland. The Scottish are usually not great travellers but will take heart from the news that Israeli star midfielder Eran Zahavi has been ruled out through injury and they look live underdogs here.
Selection: £2 on Scotland to beat Israel at 2/1 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
Iceland have lost their last four and so could be in for a tough night when they take on world champions France on Thursday. Since winning the World Cup the French have drawn with Germany and were worthy 2-1 winners over Netherlands last time out. France have some real firepower in attack so should win with something to spare. With this in mind it could pay to take the 6/1 bet365 are offering for a 3-0 win.
Selection: £1 on France to win 3-0 with bet365.
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