Thursday's Nations League tips: Portugal and Spain to provide decent value

Northern Ireland and two main contenders to win the 2022 World Cup are among the sides in action in the Nations League on Thursday - here are our tips for five of the biggest games.

Kosovo vs Northern Ireland

7.45pm, Premier Sports 1

Northern Ireland have had a disappointing start to their Nations League campaign, with just one point from a possible six so far. They will hope to get their first win on the board against Kosovo, who beat Cyprus 2-0 before going down 1-0 to Greece last time out.

We can expect Northern Ireland to adopt a cautious approach to this match, and a solid defensive showing could be enough to avoid defeat. There is ultimately not much to choose between these sides, so a draw is the way to go.

Recommended bet: Draw @ 3

Norway vs Slovenia

7.45pm, Premier Extra

Having lost both of their games so far, Slovenia are in a precarious position in Group B4 as we approach the midway stage of the Nations League. After conceding a combined six goals to Sweden and Serbia, Matjaz Kek’s side have work to do if they are to avoid relegation to League C.

A trip to Norway will not be easy, though. With just two goals in their last five outings, Slovenia will struggle to find the net against a team on the up.

Recommended bet: Norway to win to nil @ 2.06

Portugal face a Czech Republic side who have taken four points from their opening Nations League games against Switzerland and Spain

Portugal vs Czech Republic

7.45pm, Box Nation

Czech Republic were the favourites for relegation from Group A2 before the action got under way. They may still go down, but Jaroslav Silhavy’s men have made a fine start, beating Switzerland on matchday one, before holding Spain to a draw on Sunday.

The Czechs have averaged just 29 per cent possession across their first two matches, but they offered a significant attacking threat in both. Portugal may ultimately prove too strong here, but the visitors to Lisbon will be confident of at least breaching their backline.

Recommended bet: Portugal to win and both teams to score @ 3.4

Sweden vs Serbia

7.45pm, Premier Extra

This could be a pivotal game in Group B4: Norway sit top with six points and will expect to move onto nine on Thursday, so the winner of this match will likely be their main challengers for top spot.

The circumstances of the group should encourage both teams to go for victory. Serbia are naturally an attack-minded team and they rediscovered their shooting boots with a 4-1 thrashing of Slovenia at the weekend. This could be a fun fixture.

Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.2

Switzerland vs Spain

7.45pm, Premier Sports 2

Switzerland are yet to pick up a point in their group and their misery could continue against Spain. Luis Enrique’s side still struggle to turn their dominance into clear-cut chances, and they will be disappointed by their failure to beat either Portugal or Czech Republic so far.

But this is an opportunity for Spain to kick-start their campaign, and they are unlikely to pass it up. With Switzerland struggling for goals and looking far from watertight at the back, we fancy the visitors to triumph here.

Recommended bet: Spain to win @ 1.95

Recommended bets

Kosovo/N Ireland draw @ 3

Norway to nil @ 2.06

Portugal/BTTS @ 3.4

Sweden/Serbia over 2.5 @ 2.2

Spain @ 1.95