While all of Europe’s elite might already be firmly planning for this summer’s EURO 24, there are still three play-off spots that are up for grabs.
As the likes of Wales and Poland steal centre stage, Thursday’s play-off semi-finals could offer plenty of drama.
Ahead of what should be a nail-biting night of EURO 24 qualifying action on Thursday, we have taken a look at some of the most intriguing betting markets.
17:00 Georgia vs Luxembourg
While Georgia might have enjoyed a stunning Nations League adventure 18 months ago, Thursday’s hosts failed to find any kind of EURO 24 qualifying stability last year. Last seen on November 19th signing off their Group A adventure with a routine 3-1 loss at the hands of European giants Spain, the Crusaders have recorded just a single victory from any of their final six qualifying appearances.
Putting in a nightmare performance during September’s international break as they fell to an infamous 7-1 drumming against La Roja, Willy Sagnol’s men have also continued to show some extended issues on home soil.
Despite snatching a lively 2-2 stalemate against Scotland last year, Georgia have won just a pair of their previous eight European Championship qualifying contests in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to June 2019.
It should also be noted, Georgia have recorded just a single competitive clean sheet since a 2-0 win against North Macedonia in September 2022.
Although Luxembourg might open Thursday’s showdown pencilled in as a landslide underdog, the Red Lions certainly sprung a EURO 24 qualifying upset last year.
Putting in a famous performance on November 16th as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Luc Holtz’s side lost just a pair of their final eight Group J appearances and they received plenty of plaudits.
With their recent turn in fortunes underlined by a 3-1 victory against Iceland during September’s international break, Luxembourg will fancy their chances of asking some questions here.
Betting Tip: Both teams to score @ 6/5 with Pribet
19:45 Wales vs Finland
While Wales might have signed off 2023 in the midst of a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions, it is no secret that the Dragons have struggled to find any kind of stability over recent times. Collecting just a single point during their World Cup adventure out in the Middle East 15 months ago, Rob Page has found some increasing scrutiny over his position in the dugout.
Suffering EURO 24 qualifying frustration back in December as they failed to secure a top-two finish in Group D, Thursday’s hosts know that they will come under plenty of pressure here.
However, still tipped as a standout contender to punch a ticket to Germany for the summer, Wales should at least be excited by a stellar qualifying record in front of their own supporters.
In fact, Page’s camp have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 15 European Championship qualifying matchups in Cardiff – a run that stems all the way back to March 2011.
Last seen in South Wales clinching a stellar 2-1 victory against World Cup bronze medalists Croatia, the Dragons will know the importance of making a marker here.
On the flip side, although Finland might have avoided what would have been an infamous banana skin as they secured a 2-1 win against European whipping boys San Marino on November 20th, Thursday’s guests would have been disappointed by the way they finished 2023.
Finishing four points adrift of securing a top-two finish in Group H, the Eagles Owls should also be worried by their most recent trip to Cardiff.
Hit with a routine 3-1 loss when they travelled to South Wales for a Nations League showdown back in November 2020, Finland will certainly be met by an emotional atmosphere here.
Betting Tip: Wales win & Under 4.5 goals @ 11/10 with Luckster
Thursday’s EURO 24 Qualifying Double
- Georgia vs Luxembourg – Both teams to score @ 6/5
- Wales vs Finland – Wales win & Under 4.5 goals @ 11/10
Place a £10 bet on our Daily Double with Vegas Land and pocket £46.20 if all predictions are correct.
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