Friday's Nations League tips: underwhelming France face tough trip to Austria

Matchday three of the 2022/23 Nations League is already upon us, as the various groups begin to take shape - here's our preview of Friday’s action.

Azerbaijan vs Slovakia

5pm, Premier Sports 1

Slovakia suffered a shock 1-0 defeat by Kazakhstan on matchday two and they will be looking to bounce back from that loss when they travel to Baku.

Azerbaijan have yet to score in this campaign, and have drawn a blank in each of their last four matches in all competitions. That run could reach five games on Friday.

Recommended bet: Azerbaijan to score under 0.5 goals @ 2.14

Albania vs Israel

7.45pm, Premier Extra

The unique nature of Group B2 may well encourage more attack-minded football than usual. The expulsion of Russia from this edition of the Nations League means they have automatically been relegated to League C. None of Iceland, Israel or Albania can thus go down.

It is all reward and no risk in this group, as three teams chase top spot and promotion to League A. Victory for either side on Friday would see them climb into first place, so there is a significant incentive for both Albania and Israel to go all-out for victory.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score @ 1.93

World champions France have only taken a point from their first two Nations League games

Austria vs France

7.45pm, Premier Sports 1

Question marks continue to surround this France side, which has largely underwhelmed since the World Cup in Russia. A defeat by Denmark and a draw with Croatia has left Didier Deschamps’ men five points off top spot already.

Austria have made a bright start to the Ralf Rangnick era, although they were beaten by Denmark last time out. We can expect another front-foot performance from the home team here, meaning France’s defence will struggle to register a first clean sheet of the 2022/23 Nations League.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.46

Belarus vs Kazakhstan

7.45pm, Premier Extra

Our selections for Monday’s action predicted that Belarus vs Azerbaijan would be a low-scoring game, so it was no surprise to see the two teams play out a 0-0 draw. Goals will probably be in short supply in Belarus’ next match too: four of their last five outings have featured just one strike or fewer.

Kazakhstan are not exactly a prolific attacking force either, having scored two goals or more in just four of their last 20 encounters. Do not expect this one to be a thriller.

Recommended bet: Under 1.5 goals @ 2.46

Denmark vs Croatia

7.45pm, Premier Sports 2

Two wins from two have left Denmark sitting pretty at the summit of Group A1 as we approach the midway stage of the campaign. Another victory on Friday would put Kasper Hjulmand’s side in pole position to qualify for the Finals.

Denmark have been an excellent team for a couple of years now, and they are looking more and more like World Cup dark horses with each passing game. Croatia have struggled to get going in the Nations League, so back Denmark to triumph once more.

Recommended bet: Denmark to win @ 1.97

Recommended bets

Azerbaijan under 0.5 @ 2.14

Albania/Israel BTTS @ 1.93

Austria/France BTTS and over 2.5 @ 2.46

Belarus/Kazakhstan under 1.5 @ 2.46

Denmark @ 1.97