Wednesday's Nations League tips: three key selections including Belgium vs Poland

The Nations League continues on Wednesday with two home nations plus the Republic of Ireland among the teams in action - here’s how we see three key games playing out.

Belgium vs Poland

7.45pm, Premier Extra

Belgium were thrashed by the Netherlands last time out, going down 4-1 to their northerly neighbours in Brussels. Such a result did little to dispel the notion that the country’s golden generation might now be passed its peak, and the absence of Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Jason Denayer on Wednesday means this meeting with Poland will not necessarily be straightforward either.

There is particular concern in Belgium about the solidity of a backline which has kept a clean sheet in just one of its last seven encounters in various competitions. If Roberto Martinez’s men are to improve upon their 2018 World Cup semi-final appearance in Qatar, they will need to tighten up in defence.

Poland came from behind to beat Wales in their opening Nations League game, although their opponents fielded a weakened team with an eye on their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. They have now scored in 19 consecutive games, though, and will fancy their chances of finding the back of the net at the King Baudouin Stadium.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score @ 1.97

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez will expect his side to bounce back from defeat by Netherlands, when they take on Poland 

Republic of Ireland vs Ukraine

7.45pm, Premier Sports 2

Ukraine will not be at the 2022 World Cup after their 1-0 defeat by Wales in Sunday’s World Cup qualification playoff final. In ordinary circumstances it would be difficult for a team to bounce back so quickly, especially as the Nations League is not as important a tournament as the World Cup.

But the usual rules do not apply in Ukraine’s case, with the members of its national team determined to do the country proud whenever they take to the field.

Ireland continue to stutter under Stephen Kenny, with their latest disappointment a 1-0 loss to Armenia. Ukraine showed against Scotland that they are an excellent team on their day, and the price available on an away win is too good to pass up.

Recommended bet: Ukraine to win @ 3.35

Scotland vs Armenia

7.45pm, Premier Sports 1

Scotland might find it more difficult than Ukraine to get up for this match after their own playoff failure. The emphatic nature of their defeat in the semi-final will have left Steve Clarke and his players feeling low, and a home game against Armenia will not particularly whet the appetite of the local public.

This could be an attritional game with relatively little goal-mouth action. Armenia will probably be content to shut up shop and look to nick something on the counter-attack, so a high-scoring match is unlikely.

Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.82

Recommended bets

Belgium/Poland BTTS @ 1.97

Ukraine @ 3.35

Scotland/Armenia under 2.5 @ 1.82