Nations League Tuesday Tips: Back Bruno to score against Spain in Braga

The group stage of the 2022/23 Nations League concludes on Tuesday. But, before the curtain comes down, Greg Lea offers his tips for a few remaining crucial matches.

Greece v Northern Ireland

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

A failure to beat Cyprus either home or away leaves Northern Ireland in a precarious position with one match remaining. Currently level on points with the last-placed Cypriots, Ian Baraclough’s side are not yet guaranteed safety, although they do at least have a superior goal difference to Temuri Ketsbaia’s men.

Greece have already secured promotion but will be looking to go out on a high with a fifth win of the campaign. They’ve already kept four clean sheets in Group C2, and look well equipped to shut down Northern Ireland’s attack.

Selection: Greece to win @ 1.89

Norway v Serbia

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

With 10 points each after five rounds of fixtures, Norway and Serbia’s meeting in Oslo is essentially a play-off for top spot. Although Serbia have a better goal difference, Erling Haaland and co. have the edge on the all-important head-to-head after a 1-0 victory in Belgrade in June.

Serbia therefore need to win on Tuesday to secure promotion, whereas a draw would be enough for Norway. The visitors will go on the attack in a bid to put the pressure on their opponents, but with Haaland leading the line Norway possess plenty of firepower. This should be an entertaining encounter.

Selection: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.44

Portugal v Spain

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

A dramatic twist on Saturday leaves Portugal in control of Group A2, as Spain surrendered top spot with a 2-1 home loss to Switzerland. They are now two points behind their neighbours ahead of this head-to-head clash in Braga, which means a point would be enough for Fernando Santos’ side to qualify for the finals.

Portugal were excellent on matchday five, thrashing the Czech Republic 4-0 in Prague. Diogo Dalot notched an unlikely brace, and his Manchester United team mate Bruno Fernandes was also on target. The attacking midfielder is back to his best, and an attractive price means it is worth backing him to find the net again here.

Selection: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime @ 4.7

Republic of Ireland v Armenia

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

The Republic of Ireland’s disappointing campaign continued on Saturday, as they went down to a 2-1 defeat by Scotland at Hampden Park. Their misery could yet be compounded by relegation to League C, but it is hard to see even this Ireland team losing at home to Armenia.

A home win is still somehow the likeliest outcome here, considering the strength of Ireland’s opponents - the Armenians have scored just two goals and conceded 14 in their five outings to date.

Selection: Republic of Ireland to win @ nil @ 2.02

Ukraine v Scotland

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

Back-to-back wins over Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland have put Scotland on the brink of promotion to League A, but the job is not done yet. A Ukraine victory in this game would see them finish in top spot instead, leaving Scotland in the second tier of the Nations League for the 2024/25 edition.

The Ukrainians will not have the benefit of playing on home soil – this match will take place in Poland – but a 5-0 thrashing of Armenia last time out will have lifted their spirits. In an effective play-off for first place, one team will always need to score in this game - it would therefore be wise to favour attack over defence.  

Selection: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.02

Recommended trades

Greece v Northern Ireland: Greece to win @ 1.89
Norway v Serbia: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ 2.44
Portugal v Spain: Bruno Fernandes to score anytime @ 4.7
Ireland v Armenia: Ireland to win to nil @ 2.02
Ukraine v Scotland: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.02