Netherlands are unbeaten since Louis van Gaal returned, but Dan Fitch thinks Denmark are his toughest opponents yet, as he previews Saturday’s international friendlies…
“It’s fair to say though that the standard of the opposition hasn’t been great and that Denmark represent the most difficult opponent for Holland since Van Gaal returned. The Euro 2020 semi-finalists now have Christian Eriksen back in their squad and look very underrated at these odds.”
Back repeat result
Croatia 1.584/7 v Slovenia 7.26/1; The Draw 4.03/1
Saturday 26 March, 14:00
Croatia are unbeaten in seven games (W5 D2). This run includes a 3-0 home win against Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier back in September of last year.
Slovenia do tend to struggle defensively on the road. In six away internationals last year, they only kept one clean sheet and that was against Malta, while the likes of Cyprus and North Macedonia were able to score against them. Back a Croatia win and over 2.5 goals to land again at 2.77/4.
Take a chance on Finland
Finland 2.3211/8 v Iceland 3.55; The Draw 3.1511/5
Saturday 26 March, 16:00
After a period in which they were qualifying for international tournaments, Iceland seem to be heading back towards the wilderness. Since the start of 2021 the only teams that they have beaten are Liechtenstein (twice) and the Faroe Islands (P15 W3 D5 L7).
Finland lost to France in their last outing back in November, but just days before had won 3-1 in Bosnia, despite being down to 10-men for much of the match. With the Draw No Bet odds too short to recommend at 1.635/8, take a chance on Finland to win at home at 2.3211/8.
Bulgaria can avoid defeat against World Cup hosts
Qatar 2.0811/10 v Bulgaria 3.9; The Draw 3.39/4
Saturday 26 March, 18:00
Qatar will start as one of the top seeds in the forthcoming World Cup, due to their position as hosts. This match has the potential to highlight how unsuited they may be to that role. Qatar have failed to win any of their last six games against European oppositions (D1 L5), failing to score in four of those five defeats.
Bulgaria are an erratic side, capable of drawing away at the European champions Italy and losing to Lithuania, within just a few weeks of last year. Yet at these odds, the value would seem to be with the unreliable visitors and you can back them in the Double Chance market at 1.910/11.
Spanish should cruise to victory
Spain 1.162/13 v Albania 23.022/1; The Draw 7.87/1
Saturday 26 March, 18:45
The last time that Spain lost a friendly was in 2016 (P12 W7 D5) and their draws all came against better opposition than Albania.
Spain’s short odds look warranted, with Luis Enrique’s side having reached the semi-finals of the European Championship and the final of the Nations League, last year. Albania were beaten 5-0 away by England in November and a Spain win and over 2.5 goals is available at 1.758/11.
Israeli firing power key to finding German value
Germany 1.111/9 v Israel 34.033/1; The Draw 11.521/2
Saturday 26 March, 19:45
Since Hansi Flick became manager of Germany they have won all seven of their games. Unsurprisingly, it’s pretty difficult to find much value in the home win.
One route might be to take a chance on Israel finding the net. Since the start of 2021 the Israelis have played twelve games and scored in nine of them. A Germany win and both teams to score is 3.21.
Value with great Danes
Netherlands 1.865/6 v Denmark 4.216/5; The Draw 3.55
Saturday 26 March, 19:45
The Netherlands are another side much improved since changing managers. Louis van Gaal’s third spell in charge has seen the Dutch go on a seven match unbeaten run (W5 D2).
It’s fair to say though that the standard of the opposition hasn’t been great and that Denmark represent the most difficult opponent for Holland since Van Gaal returned. The Euro 2020 semi-finalists now have Christian Eriksen back in their squad and look very underrated at these odds. Back Denmark to avoid defeat in the Double Chance market at 1.9520/21.
Source: BetFair Tips
