THE third and final night of Euro 2016 qualifying action. We got Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) to pick his two favourite bets from the matches.
Azerbaijan v Norway | Sunday 17:00 | Sky Sports Interactive
It’s been a good campaign so far for Norway but I think they’re being a little overrated for this match. Skybet go best-price 11/10 on Per-Mathias Hogmo’s side picking up three points but I think it’s a tough assignment.
Azerbaijan are a decent side and their 6-0 loss in Croatia last month looks an anomaly in all honesty. They lost just three games in their World Cup qualifying group and those were against top seeds Portugal and Russia. The seven unbeaten games included a win against Northern Ireland and draws with Russia and Israel (twice). Not bad going eh?
In this campaign they gave Italy a real fright (only losing to an 82nd minute winner in Palermo) so I don’t think Norway will phase them. The Norwegians beat Bulgaria at home last month, but generally their profile is pretty uninspiring. They finished fourth in their World Cup qualifying group in which they lost to Albania and Slovenia. They also lost to Estonia at home in a friendly on Wednesday night.
I’m happy to side with Azerbaijan on the handicap here. I’ll back them with a goal start at 4/5 with Ladbrokes.
Israel v Bosnia | Sunday 19:45 | Sky Sports Interactive
Israel have made eye-catching progress in the last year and look a big price here to beat Bosnia. They lost just two games in their World Cup 2014 qualifying group and managed to get a draw in Portugal late in that campaign.
They’ve kicked off this campaign with two wins out of two beating Cyprus and Andorra away from home. There’s no doubt Bosnia will provide a sterner test on Sunday but with the Israelis back on home turf they can get the job done.
Bosnia may be suffering a World Cup hangover as they’ve yet to win in this qualifying group. Draws at home to Belgium and away in Wales were preceded by a shocking 2-1 loss in their homeland to Cyprus.
The hangover angle might have some substance as only two sides have ever qualified for a European Championship following their debut World Cup appearance.
I’m willing to take a chance here at the 13/8 chalked up by Bet365.
TOPICS European Football Football International Football TipsBest Bets
Azerbaijan v Norway – Azerbaijan +1 (4/5 Ladbrokes)
Israel v Bosnia – Israel to win (13/8 Bet365)
