The FIFA rankings are often a reliable form guide and Wales are 10 places above Slovakia who they play at home today at the start of their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign. Wales reached the last four of the last European Championship finals and the squad is now arguably stronger but the talisman is still a more experienced Gareth Bale. Some key Slovakia players have retired from international football which means WALES are the team to back at 11/10 with bet365.
If Scotland lose in San Marino today the defeat in Kazakhstan will be forgotten for all the wrong reasons because this would be worse. San Marino are at 210 in the rankings and Scotland are 40th. The home team have avoided defeat in just five of 154 internationals and Scotland cannot be that bad. This is true mismatch and brings into disrepute the current qualifying regulations. Three points are more than essential and the DRAW/SCOTLAND half time/full time outcome is 19/5 with Coral.
Northern Ireland are 42 places above Belarus in the FIFA standings which would suggest a home win in Belfast. Three points is essential because Holland and Germany are in the same group and the top two teams qualify automatically. Belarus have avoided defeat in six of their last seven competitive fixtures and they can improve that run today. The visitors can be competitive at this level and are already assured a place in the playoffs so the DRAW is the best bet at 5/2 with bet365.
One of many Nationals in Britain and Ireland takes places at Downpatrick today 13 days before the one that matters most at Aintree. The Ulster National is a handicap chase over three miles and four and a half furlongs so it is a test of stamina which is as it should be for any National. Out Sam is the top weight with a proven record in this type of race but the burden could be excessive. TONGIE carries two stone less and will be suited by the race conditions so is the tip at 6/1 with Coral.