READ: Scotland vs. Ukraine; Poland vs. Wales | Best Bets

Scotland vs Ukraine (WCQ Playoff)

Pick: Under 1.5 total goals (+160)

Under 2.5 goals was my main play when I started looking into this match, but the value is no longer there. The odds are as short as -200 and I’m not prepared to lay that number unless it’s in a parlay. 

Instead, I’m backing the under 1.5 total goals @ +160. I know that may seem low to some, but hear me out. It’s important to remember that a draw after 90 minutes plus injury time would send the game to extra time and penalties if needed. So we have to look at this match as if it were a final and finals tend to be tight and low-scoring. 

Furthermore, Scotland claimed clean sheets in their last three World Cup qualifiers and they haven’t lost at home. Ukraine on the other hand are unbeaten in eight matches but the more impressive stat is that they only conceded more than once in one of those matches. 

There are concerns surrounding Ukraine’s form, having not played a truly competitive match since November, and with what’s going on in Ukraine at the moment, some of their players haven’t played much football whatsoever. However, I believe that their manager Oleksandr Petrakov will have his team prepared and well organized. Plus, we can’t discount the added motivation that Ukraine players will have on Wednesday. 

When you consider the fact that both of these sides are very good defensively – and this game will likely be treated like a final – the under is the way to go. 

All odds courtesy NorthStar Bets | Check out their special offer for new customers today!

Poland vs Wales

Pick: Poland + Both Teams To Score (+335)

Club football is done which means the glorified friendlies… I mean the Nations League is back! Poland kicks off this year's campaign against Wales at home and the timing isn’t great for the Welsh side, with the game kicking off just four days before Wales’ World Cup playoff final. It’s obvious that their focus will be on Sunday’s final which gives the advantage to Poland who are in good form. Since Euro 2020, they’ve won six of nine matches, losing just once. However, they have issues in defence, conceding in all but three of their last nine games, including games against 211th ranked San Marino and 151st ranked Andorra. Not good. 

As for Wales, it remains to be seen whether or not manager Rob Page will put out a strong XI. Even if he does we can’t expect him to keep all of his main men out there for very long. That could be a huge disadvantage which could cost them in the end. 

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