Friday's European Qualifier tips: Croatia and Scotland to continue encouraging starts to qualification

The Euro 2024 qualification process resumes this week with several eye-catching fixtures on the horizon. Here is our preview of five games taking place on Friday.

Georgia vs Spain

5pm, Viaplay Sports 1

Spain have ground to make up in Group A. They head into Friday’s game fourth out of fifth, although that is mainly because they have only played two matches so far. Still, a failure to win in Tbilisi would be damaging to their chances of qualification.

Led by Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia have been competitive up to now. Spain conceded twice away to Scotland and we could see goals at both ends on this occasion too.

Tip: Both teams to score at 2.3

Croatia vs Latvia

7.45pm, Viaplay Extra

This looks like a banker for Croatia, another team that have only played twice in their group. Latvia are pointless after three matches and will not be returning to the European Championship for the first time since 2004.

A handsome home win would set the tone ahead of a busy period for Croatia, who will play six qualifiers and no friendlies between now and November.

Tip: Croatia -2.5 Asian handicap at 1.91

Cyprus vs Scotland

7.45pm Viaplay Sports 1

Scotland have had a perfect start as they attempt to qualify for a second European Championship on the bounce. Four wins from four, including a famous 2-0 victory over Spain, means Steve Clarke’s side have a fantastic chance of making it to Germany.

In order to keep the pressure on those below them, Scotland cannot afford to drop points against last-placed Cyprus. Given they have only conceded one goal to date, a win and a clean sheet should be well within reach.

Tip: Scotland to win to nil at 1.97

Slovakia vs Portugal

7.45pm Viaplay Sports 2

With 12 points from 12 and a +14 goal difference, Portugal are in a commanding position at the summit of the Group J standings. The job is not done yet, though: Slovakia are only two points behind in second, while Luxembourg are five points back from Cristiano Ronaldo and co.

Portugal are averaging 3.5 goals per game in this campaign, as Roberto Martinez attempts to get more out of the team in attack. Meanwhile Slovakia scored twice in their last home game, a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals at 1.87

Turkey vs Armenia

7.45pm Viaplay Sports Online

Group D is wide open as things stand, with only fifth-placed Latvia out of the running. Turkey, Armenia, Croatia and Wales are all fighting for the top two and the winner of this match will go into matchday six in first place.

Home advantage should give Turkey the edge, but results to date suggest goals are on the cards. Both teams have scored seven and conceded five goals so far, so the attacks should come out on top in this one.

Tip: Both teams to score at 2.16 

Recommended bets

Georgia vs Spain: Both teams to score at 2.3
Croatia vs Latvia: Croatia -2.5 Asian handicap at 1.91
Cyprus vs Scotland: Scotland to win to nil at 1.97
Slovakia vs Portugal: Over 2.5 goals at 1.87
Turkey vs Armenia: Both teams to score at 2.16