The Nations League is back and we are entering the business end of this edition.
While play-off ties are being contested across the continent, the main focus will be on the quarter-finals.
Eight of Europe’s best sides compete over two-legged ties, with the reward a shot at lifting the trophy in June.
So, betFIRST has taken a look at the first legs, which all take place on Thursday evening, and provided some betting tips, complete with the latest football odds.
And if your Nations League bet this week is winning, keep in mind our Cash Out feature, which allows you to collect profits before the referee blows the full-time whistle!
*All odds are subject to change
Kylian Mbappe to score anytime for France vs Croatia @ 2.50
Les Bleus skipper Mbappe is back in the squad and with a point to prove. Didier Deschamps’ main man has been on fire in a Real Madrid shirt, taking his La Liga goal tally to 20 with a match-winning brace against Villarreal on the weekend. While Croatia are always a tough opponent, particularly on home soil, we cannot see them keeping Mbappe quiet for the full 90 minutes. The ex-PSG star is just two goals away from 50 in a France jersey.
Netherlands vs Spain: Both teams to score @ 1.74
This has the potential to be the standout quarter-final tie, with European champions Spain bidding to retain the Nations League trophy. Even without Rodri, La Roja are a force to be reckoned with, especially with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal getting better with each passing week. We expect Spain to leave Rotterdam with a first-leg advantage, although we cannot see a potentially makeshift defence keeping out Ronald Koeman’s attack.
Italy vs Germany: Both teams to score @ 1.76
Another match fit for a major tournament final as Italy and Germany renew their historic footballing rivalry. Both sides enjoyed positive group campaigns and will be eyeing a spot in the semi-finals. And given their performances in League A of this competition, we expect goals in both legs. First-leg hosts Italy netted 13 times in six matches, while unbeaten Germany were comfortably the leading scorers in the highest tier with 18 goals. The BTTS market looks a pretty safe bet to us!
Bruno Fernandes to score anytime for Portugal vs Denmark @ 4.60
While Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal’s main goal threat, it is impossible to look past Fernandes’ form in the final third. The Manchester United skipper recently scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad in the Europa League and has netted in three of the Red Devils’ last four Premier League matches. Fernandes has also scored 25 times for Portugal ahead of the first leg in Denmark and we are predicting him to have a major say as Roberto Martinez’s side look to flex their footballing muscles.
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