Thursday's Nations League tips: Greg Lea has four strong selections

There might not be a World Cup this summer, but that does not mean we will be short of international action - here’s how we see Thursday’s Nations League fixtures playing out.

Czech Republic vs Switzerland

7.45pm, Box Nation

Switzerland shocked France at Euro 2020, and they could be among the dark horses for the World Cup in Qatar later this year. There is plenty of talent within Murat Yakin’s squad and the Swiss have proved hard to beat of late, losing just one of their last 12 games in all competitions.

Czech Republic have not fared quite so well since their own run to the quarter-finals of the European Championship. In nine contests since the tournament, the only teams they have beaten are Belarus, Kuwait and Estonia. Switzerland, priced at 2.42 by Smarkets traders, will fancy their chances of victory.

Recommended bet: Switzerland @ 2.42

Northern Ireland vs Greece

7.45pm, Premier Sports 1

Like many footballing stereotypes, the one about Greece being defensive is rooted in fact. Otto Rehhagel’s ground their way to glory at Euro 2004 and the Greeks have pretty much prioritised solidity over flair ever since. The current side has not scored more than one goal in any of its last five encounters.

Northern Ireland are not exactly blessed with world-class attackers either, so we could be in store for a low-scoring match in Belfast. A goalless first half looks appealing at 2.32.

Recommended bet: 0-0 HT @ 2.32

The Nations League will be played in June and September, with the semi-finals and final in June 2023

Israel vs Iceland

7.45pm, Premier Extra

Iceland’s golden generation is on the way out, even though a few members of the squad that reached Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup remain. They are now in Nations League B following relegation in the last campaign, but they have every chance of finishing top of Group B2 ahead of Israel and Albania following Russia’s expulsion.

Given that Israel have failed to win five of their last seven games, and Iceland are above them in the FIFA rankings, an away win looks like excellent value at 4.4.

Recommended bet: Iceland @ 4.4

Serbia vs Norway

7.45pm, Premier Extra

Serbia will be at the World Cup later this year after impressively topping their qualification group ahead of Portugal. Norway fell short in one of the more competitive sections, finishing three points behind second-placed Turkey.

There is still plenty to be excited about in Norwegian football, with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard significantly improving the national team’s attacking prospects. Serbia will also pose a threat in the final third, having averaged more than three goals per game across their last seven outings. Consider over 2.5 goals at 2.26.

Recommended bet: over 2.5 goals @ 2.26

Recommended bets

Switzerland @ 2.42

N Ireland/Greece 0-0 HT @ 2.32

Iceland @ 4.4

Serbia/Norway over 2.5 @ 2.26