European Qualifiers Tipsheet: Will Harry Kane score yet another hat trick

It has been a hectic autumnal schedule domestically with some teams playing six games since the last international break and while some will welcome a bit of respite we certainly do not at SBK. Here is our tipsheet for the first round of international fixtures. 

Cyprus vs Spain 

Kick-off: 17:00 Thursday,  Viaplay Sports 2

Spain have secured their spot at Euro 2024 with two games to spare in Group A and their penultimate games see them take on Cyprus. 

The hosts are yet to pick up a point and with the side above them seven clear, the division's basement boys are guaranteed to remain there at the end of the campaign. 

Given the circumstances, this could get ugly. The reverse certainly did with La Roja putting six past Temur Ketsbaia’s side. The Spaniard’s put seven past Georgia in the game before boosting their goal difference to +16 so expect another colossal goals haul for the visitors in Kolossi. 

Prediction: Spain Asian Handicap (-2.5) @ 1.43

Liechtenstein vs Portugal 

Kick-off: 19:45 Thursday,  Viaplay Xtra

Liechtenstein vs Portugal, the epitome of a dead rubber in Group J. 

Vaduz plays host as the runaway leaders take on the league's whipping boys. Liechtenstein are guaranteed to finish bottom and Roberto Martinez’s side are guaranteed a spot at next summer's tournement. 

On paper, the visitors are not the most challenging but they can only beat what is in front of them and beat them they have. A Seleção have scored 32 and conceded just two goals, each of those coming against Slovakia. They have scored four or more goals in half of their games and should rack up plenty against a side ranked 200th and shipping an average of over three per game.  

Prediction: Portugal to score over 5.5 goals @ 1.33

England vs Malta

Kick-off: 19:45 Friday,  Channel Four

England’s 3-1 victory over Italy in their last European Qualifier confirmed they will be there next June. Next on the roster for Gareth Southgate’s side is Malta, a side yet to pick up a point in Group C.  

Harry Kane hit the double in his last game for the Three Lions and has since found the net 14 times in six games for Bayern Munich. That includes a couple of braces and two hat tricks for anyone wondering and I’ll be touting him to take home another matchball at Wembley on Friday evening. 

Prediction: Harry Kane to score a hattrick @ 3.75

Italy vs Northern Macedonia

Kick-off: 19:45 Friday, Viaplay Sports 1

In comparison to England, Italy are in a much more precarious position in Group C. Their two defeats against the Euro 2020 finalists have left the holding champions six points off the pace. With Luciano Spalletti’s side three points behind Ukraine, albeit having played a game fewer, his side's clash with North Macedonia is a pivotal one. A third defeat would see Friday’s opponents draw level on points with Gli Azzurri with a game to go. 

This shouldn’t happen though. Although the reverse fixture ended all square, North Macedonia's only win on the road came against minnows Malta. They conceded seven in London and two against Ukraine without scoring across those three hours of football. 

Prediction: Italy Asian Handicap (-1) @ 1.14

Recommended Bets

Back Spain Asian Handicap v Cyprus (-3) @ 1.43
Back Portugal to score over 3.5 goals v Leichenstein @ 1.33
Back Harry Kane to score a hattrick v Malta @ 3.75
Italy Asian Handicap (-1) v North Macedonia @ 1.14