Saturday’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Tips: Croatia have enough to see off Wales

The international action continues on Saturday as two of the home nations begin their Euro 2024 qualification campaigns. Here is how Greg Lea pictures five of the matches playing out. 

Scotland v Cyprus 

Kick-off: 2pm Saturday 

Scotland competed at Euro 2020, which marked their first appearance at a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup. Needless to say, they will not want to go anywhere near as long between the last competition and their next involvement on the big stage. 

With Spain widely expected to win Group A, Scotland will have to try to deny Norway second place and they have an excellent chance to lay down a marker on Saturday. I expect Steve Clarke’s men to make a relatively quick start at Hampden Park, and they should continue their dominance over Cyprus in the second half. 

Prediction: Scotland to win both halves @ 2.58 

Armenia v Turkey 

Kick-off: 5pm Saturday 

Given the size of their population and the country’s passion for football, Turkey is one of the biggest underachievers in the European game. They crashed out in the group phase of Euro 2020, before missing out on World Cup 2022 and competing in League C of the Nations League.

Turkey are deservedly favourites for this weekend’s meeting with Armenia, but they will not have everything their own way. After all, the Crescent Stars shipped 16 goals in just 10 World Cup qualifiers last time out - a record which will give Armenia hope.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 2.3

Belarus v Switzerland

Kick-off: 5pm Saturday

Switzerland finished top of their qualifying group for the recent World Cup, which played a big part in Italy’s failure to make it to Qatar. The Swiss are used to beginning qualification as an underdog, but this time around Murat Yakin’s men are the team to beat in Group I. 

Belarus will struggle to remain in touching distance. They have not triumphed over European opposition since a 4-2 victory over Estonia in March 2021 and will find it difficult to contain Switzerland’s talented attacking players.

Prediction: Switzerland -2.5 Asian handicap @ 2.6

Croatia v Wales 

Kick-off: 7.45pm Saturday 

The World Cup did not go well for Wales, who crashed out in the group phase without winning a game. Gareth Bale has since hung up his boots, so this feels like the start of a new era for the Euro 2016 semi-finalists. 

Gareth Bale: The Welsh star has recently retired from playing international football

If Rob Page’s team is to qualify for next year’s European Championship, they will need to secure a top-two finish in Group D, which also contains Turkey, Armenia and Latvia. That should be within Wales’ grasp, but an away game against Croatia represents the toughest possible start.

Prediction: Croatia to win to nil @ 1.88

Spain v Norway

Kick-off: 7.45pm Saturday

Spain received a boost earlier this week when Norway confirmed that Erling Haaland will not feature in Saturday’s match in Malaga. That significantly reduces the Norwegians’ attacking threat for this Group A opener. 

Spain have seldom conceded many goals in recent years, with low-scoring wins to nil proving to be their speciality. With Norway lacking their talisman, who is enjoying a sensational season at Manchester City, this is unlikely to be a goal-laden affair.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.84

Saturday’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Tips 

Scotland v Cyprus: Scotland to win both halves @ 2.58
Armenia v Turkey: Both teams to score @ 2.3
Belarus v Switzerland: Switzerland -2.5 Asian handicap @ 2.6
Croatia v Wales: Croatia to win to nil @ 1.88
Spain v Norway: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.84