Nations League Tips: Will Spain win their group on Saturday?

The Nations League action continues right through the weekend – here are Greg Lea’s top tips for Saturday’s standout matches, including games featuring Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland v Kosovo

Kick-off: 5pm Saturday

Northern Ireland have had little to cheer so far in the 2022/23 Nations League. Two draws with Cyprus (a 0-0 and a 2-2) and defeats by Greece and Kosovo have left them in danger of a fourth-place finish in Group C2, which would bring with it participation in the relegation play-offs. Level on points with Cyprus, they occupy third spot on goal difference alone.

Ian Baraclough’s side will hope to pick up their first win of the campaign against Kosovo, but that will not be easy. The reverse fixture in June led to a 3-2 defeat for Northern Ireland, who seem unable to get the balance right between defence and attack. Kosovo have every chance of nicking a victory at Windsor Park, but the price for a draw is too attractive to ignore.

Selection: Draw @ 3.1

Czech Republic v Portugal

Kick-off: 7.45pm Saturday

Portugal trail Spain by a point at the top of Group A2, ahead of a head-to-head clash between the pair next week. First up is a trip to Prague though, where Czech Republic will look to make life difficult for Cristiano Ronaldo and co.

Fernando Santos’ tactical conservatism is well established by now, and although he led Portugal through the World Cup qualification play-offs, doubts remain over whether he is the right man to lead an exciting generation of attacking talent. Portugal failed to score in their last outing against Switzerland and may have to wait until the second half for a breakthrough.

Selection: Under 0.5 goals at half-time @ 2.72

Scotland v Republic of Ireland

Kick-off: 7.45pm Saturday

Three second-half goals helped Scotland to see off Ukraine in impressive fashion on Wednesday, and another win at Hampden Park could potentially seal promotion for Steve Clarke’s side. They currently lead Ukraine by two points but have to face them again in Poland next week.

The Republic of Ireland beat Scotland 3-0 in the reverse fixture, but that was their only victory of the campaign so far. The hosts will be full of confidence following the victory over Ukraine, and I fancy them to pick up three more points here.

Selection: Scotland to win @ 2.1

Serbia v Sweden

Kick-off: 7.45pm Saturday

Sweden began the 2022/23 Nations League with hopes of earning promotion to League A, but they have been disappointing so far. A return of three points from a possible 12 has left Janne Andersson’s side looking over their shoulders at the relegation spot, with Slovenia just a point behind them.

Serbia realistically need to win both of their remaining games to climb above Norway into first place. They are the group’s highest scorers, while Sweden found the net twice in their most recent encounter against the Norwegians. This could be an entertaining contest.

Selection: Over 2.5 goals @ 2

Spain v Switzerland

Kick-off: 7.45pm Saturday

Spain will qualify for the Nations League Finals if they beat Switzerland, and the Czech Republic shock Portugal on Friday. Its more likely that top spot in the group will be determined by next week’s meeting of the Iberian neighbours in Braga, however.

Spain began their campaign with a couple of draws, but their last two outings produced victories and clean sheets. Luis Enrique will be preaching the importance of defensive solidity here too, with Spain likely to use possession as a defensive tactic as well as an attacking one. Switzerland drew a blank in the reverse fixture and could do so again on Saturday.

Selection: Spain to win to nil @ 2.26

Recommended trades

Northern Ireland v Kosovo: Draw @ 3.1
Czech Republic v Portugal: Under 0.5 goals first half @ 2.72
Scotland v Ireland: Scotland to win @ 2.1
Serbia v Sweden: Over 2.5 goals @ 2
Spain v Switzerland: Spain to win to nil @ 2.26