NATIONS LEAGUE: The Ultra previews Thursday’s matches between KOSOVO v NORTHERN IRELAND and SWITZERLAND v SPAIN both with a recommended BETDAQ bet.

KOSOVO V NORTHERN IRELAND

7.45pm The Nations League continues on Thursday and we have two markets of interest on BETDAQ Betting Exchange. Switzerland v Spain is the highlight fixture of the night in my opinion, but before that we have a very interesting market as Kosovo take on Northern Ireland. It’s almost hard to believe but Northern Ireland are still searching for their first Nations League win since the competition began! Of course there was no relegation when the competition started, but Northern Ireland finished with no points in 2018/19 before getting relegated from a B Group in 2020/21. Group C is probably more their level, but they have had some superb results in qualifying for major tournaments recently. They are always getting stuck with tough draws, and that’s just all about their ranking to be honest. It’s very difficult to see them getting to a major tournament soon, and given their performance in the Nations League it’s hard to see that changing. After two games they have only managed one point, and it’s looks like they’ll be trying to avoid relegation rather than top the Group. Greece are in a very strong position in this Group after the opening two games, but this fixture will have a big impact as Kosovo sit in second.

Kosovo come into the game as favourites, but they aren’t odds on. The match odds at the time of writing currently trade; Kosovo 2.26, Northern Ireland 3.95 and the draw is 3.2. We all know that Northern Ireland are a lot more comfortable at home in front of their own fans, and they tend to just sit back and try to grind out a result away from home. That’s not to say that are all out attack at home, but they are definitely more cagey away from home. Kosovo play their football at an average level – they finished in third place in the last Nations League in a C Group, and they finished last in their World Cup qualifying Group. Most England fans will know them well from Euro 2020 qualifying, but they have been pretty average since then. I know Northern Ireland have had a terrible record in the Nations League, but I can’t help but feel that the 2.26 on Kosovo is just too short. I know Northern Ireland aren’t as good away, but the 2.26 definitely appeals as a good value lay. I’m going to keep stakes very small here given the worries about Northern Ireland, but I feel the market is wrong here.

The Ultra Says:
One point lay (liability) Kosovo to beat Northern Ireland at 2.26 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.

You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/KosNir

SWITZERLAND V SPAIN

7.45pm Next we move to Group A2 as Switzerland host Spain. This is a massive game for both sides as they sit in the bottom two places. Switzerland have lost their opening two games, and they will be trying to avoid relegation from now on. Spain have had to settle for two draws in their opening two games which would have been disappointing for them, but they aren’t in a very bad position. The draw away to Czech Republic was a little disappointing, and they were poor in the second half against Portugal. Switzerland have had two poor defeats away from home, and although they return home now their form is worrying. It’s fair to say that both sides have their issues heading into this game, and this is going to be a very interesting betting heat. I’m sure we will have some big opinions on the Spain price at 1.97 either side of the market. I have to say after watching Switzerland lose 4-0 to Portugal I wouldn’t be comfortable laying Spain here – Portugal don’t exactly score a host of goals lately but they put this Swiss side to the sword. Czech Republic haven’t been a massive force recently either, and Switzerland lost 2-1 away to them. Spain needed a 90th minute equaliser to get a result against them too though, so perhaps we won’t be too harsh on Czech Republic. This is going to be a cracking game, but for me the choice is between backing Spain or looking towards the goals market for some value – I’m not comfortable laying Spain.

Switzerland have had over 2.5 goals in both their games so far, they’ve conceded six goals in two games and under 2.5 goals looks a little short at 1.87. Even in the 1-1 draw with Portugal, Spain created some good chances in the first half but then they were almost “lucky” to hold on for a 1-1 draw given their second half performance. In that sense I feel over 2.5 goals is the value at 2.1 in the goals market, however I feel it doesn’t offer the same amount of value as Spain at 1.97. This Switzerland side have been really disappointing in their opening two games and while there has been issues with Spain at times, overall they have performed well enough to get a result here. This isn’t a bet to go mad about, we’ve had better bets over the last few days and we’ll have better bets over the days to come but the 1.97 is worth backing. This is definitely the game to watch tonight – it’s a shame we don’t have more early kick offs so we can enjoy more games!

The Ultra Says:
Two points win Spain to beat Switzerland at 1.97 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.

You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/SwiSpa