Norway are closing in on a first World Cup finals appearance in almost 30 years, and their clash with Israel is one of five matches we are looking at from Saturday’s qualifiers.
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Bulgaria vs Turkey
Turkey To Beat Bulgaria With Under 3.5 Goals @ 21/20
Bulgaria are still looking for their first points and first goals in Group B after losing 3-0 to both Spain and Georgia, and the visit of a wounded Turkey may not provide much relief either.
Turkey, who have not qualified for a World Cup since finishing third in 2002, began their latest campaign with a 3-2 win in Georgia but were then humiliated 6-0 at home by Spain and will be itching to make amends in Sofia.
The two Black Sea neighbours have not played each other since 2015, but have a fairly even head-to-head record, Bulgaria winning eight of 20 meetings and Turkey seven, and we think this game could be close too.
Spain vs Georgia
Spain To Beat Georgia With BTTS @ 17/10
Spain could book their spot in next year’s finals if results go their way during this international window and the 2010 champions look primed to do their part.
The world’s top-ranked side have brushed aside Bulgaria 3-0 and Turkey 6-0 away from home in their opening two qualifiers, while they have won seven of eight previous meetings with Saturday’s opponents, Georgia.
However, Georgia sit second in Group E after bouncing back from a 3-2 defeat to Turkey by beating Bulgaria 3-0 and with a team that includes the brilliant Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and new Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, have the capacity to make things difficult for their hosts in Elche.
Hungary vs Armenia
Hungary To Draw Against Armenia With Under 3.5 Goals @ 5/1
Hungary head into their Budapest clash against Armenia third in Group F with only one point from two games, but that does not paint the full picture.
They were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, only to concede a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw, while they also led against Portugal before conceding an 86th-minute Joao Cancelo winner, so Hungary will believe they are due a victory.
Armenia, who lost their only previous meeting with Hungary 2-0, are second in the group with three points.
They were thrashed 5-0 by top dogs Portugal at home but bounced back with a 2-1 home win over Ireland to claim an early advantage in what looks set to be a three-way battle for a play-off spot.
Norway vs Israel
Norway To Beat Israel With BTTS @ 6/4
Norway are on the cusp of returning to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 after making a blistering start to qualifying.
They are six points clear in Group I and have the joint-most points among European nations (15), as well as the most goals (24), the biggest goal difference (+21) and the leading scorer, with Erling Haaland having netted nine times already.
Israel, meanwhile, appear consigned to be battling for second spot with Italy, but they suffered a blow last time out after losing 5-4 at home to the Azzurri following a last-gasp Sandro Tonali goal.
Estonia vs Italy
Italy HT/FT Against Estonia @ 4/9
Italy’s chances of qualifying automatically for their first World Cup since 2014 may have been dented by Norway’s phenomenal form in Group I, but their minimum target of a play-off spot is well within the Azzurri’s sights.
Gennaro Gattuso’s improving side are level on nine points with Israel, six behind the Norwegians, but they have a game in hand on all the other teams in the pool and will expect to beat 129th-ranked Estonia in Tallinn.
Estonia have lost all eight previous meetings with the Italians, including a 5-0 defeat in Bergamo last month, while they have only picked up three points from five matches in Group I, so they may be looking at damage limitation this weekend.
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