Friday's Nations League tips: France and Denmark could serve up a belter

The Nations League action continues on Friday, with no fewer than three recent World Cup finalists in action - here’s how we see some of the key matches unfolding.

Belarus vs Slovakia

7.45pm, Premier Extra

Belarus have just won three games in a row for the first time since 2008 – but we should not get carried away by triumphs over Jordan, India and Bahrain, respectively ranked  91st, 106th and 89th in the world by FIFA. Indeed, Belarus have lost eight matches in a row against European opposition.

Slovakia could inflict more misery on their hosts. Of those eight defeats by sides from the same continent, Belarus failed to score in five of them. Consider a Slovakia clean sheet at 1.91.

Recommended bet: Slovakia clean sheet @ 1.91

Croatia vs Austria

7.45pm, Premier Extra

Austria will not be at the World Cup later this year. Their performance in the last edition of the Nations League earned them a playoff berth despite a fourth-place finish in their qualification group, but Austria were deservedly beaten by Wales in the semi-finals.

Croatia remain reliant on ageing stars like Luka Modric, but the Real Madrid maestro is coming off another excellent season at club level. Take advantage of generous odds of 2.16 on a home win.

Recommended bet: Croatia @ 2.16

France face a Denmark side who qualified for the Qatar World Cup with the joint highest points tally in Europe.

France vs Denmark

7.45pm, Box Nation

Denmark were the surprise package at Euro 2020 and could be dark horses in Qatar. Kasper Hjulmand’s side showed they did not fear anyone last summer, and the same attack-minded attitude helped them to qualify for the World Cup with the joint-highest points tally in Europe.

France may well prove too strong for Denmark on Friday, but the away team are unlikely to simply sit deep and hope for the best. Hjulmand will reason that his side have a better chance of victory if they get bodies forward, which could lead to a high-scoring contest. Go for over 2.5 goals at 2.14.

Recommended bet: over 2.5 goals @ 2.14

Kazakhstan vs Azerbaijan

3pm, Premier Sports 1

No one expects this fixture to generate much excitement outside the two competing countries, but that does not mean it is not worth adding to your tipsheet.

Azerbaijan head to Nur-Saltan in dismal form. They have failed to win any of their last 10 matches, and have triumphed in just one of 20 games stretching back to September 2020. They have not exactly been beaten by global powerhouses either: Luxembourg, Malta and Latvia are among their recent conquerers.

Kazakhstan have had a bit more to cheer of late, despite an 8-0 thrashing by France last year. A home win is the way to go at 2.62.

Recommended bet: Kazakhstan @ 2.62

Recommended bets

Slovakia clean sheet @ 1.91

France/Denmark over 2.5 @ 2.14

Croatia @ 2.16

Kazakhstan @ 2.62