EURO 2020 qualifying continues on Sunday and Chris Bland (@blandc_1996) is on-hand to share his favourite selections from matches not involving the Home Nations.
Estonia v Germany | Sunday 13th October 2019, 19:45 | Sky Sports
Estonia host Germany in Tallinn on Sunday as the Germans look to move back to the top of Euro 2020 qualification Group C. Holland’s victory on Thursday against a dogged Northern Ireland side has moved Ronald Koeman’s men to the summit on away goals scored, as both Die Mannschaft and the Dutch have identical points, goal difference and goals scored.
As a result of the group standings, racking up goals will be a high priority for Joachim Low’s side, and the trip to Estonia is the perfect opportunity to do so. Having won 8-0 in their previous meeting, Germany will be confident of scoring a hatful once again, and possess an array of attacking talent in their ranks.
Low has got them playing fast, free flowing football and are particularly impressive on the break. However, Die Mannschaft also have the required creative midfielders to break down what will be a compact defence.
Joshua Kimmich will line up in central midfield, and has already three assists to his name for Bayern Munich this season. Averaging 3.1 key passes, he boasts more than enough ability to unpick the Estonian defence, and will be tasked with doing so on Sunday.
Kai Havertz scored against Argentina, and he could offer further creativity to the German attack. The 20-year-old has two goals to his name for Leverkusen this term, and isn’t afraid to run at defenders; this unpredictability, alongside the in-form Serge Gnabry, will allow the Germans an easier task in breaking down the stubborn Estonians.
Gnabry scored again on Wednesday, but he is priced 4/9 (Unibet) to notch here and so it isn’t worth the risk. Timo Werner is surprisingly a longer price than Gnabry at 8/15 (SkyBet), and with seven in nine for Leipzig, he will fancy his chances of netting on Sunday night.
Possessing frightening pace on the break if Estonia dare attempt to attack, the Germans are well priced on the handicap at 1/1 (Bet365) with a -3 start, and I believe that given the context of the group and the visitors’ attacking talent, this is a price worth paying attention to.
Belarus v Netherlands | Sunday 13th October 2019, 17:00 | Sky Sports
In the other Group C game, the Netherlands travel to Belarus as they look to make it four wins on the bounce. Thursday’s late rally against Northern Ireland lifted them to the top of the group, and the Dutch will be out to make sure it stays this way.
As alluded to earlier, Holland will be on the search for a large victory margin, and as a result in this game a goalscoring option stands out above even-money.
With three goals in his last five games for the Dutch, Georginio Wijnaldum has been relishing the opportunity to play further forward for Ronald Koeman’s side. Compared to his role for Liverpool, Wijnaldum is expected to contribute to the numbers in the box and plays as the furthest forward of the midfield three, with Frenkie De Jong and Marten De Roon sitting deeper.
As a result, the fluid front three’s movement is a handful for both the defenders and midfielders, leaving space for the onrushing midfielder. Often left unmarked, Wijnaldum specialises in arriving late into the area, and has been able to capitalise on this so far in the qualifying campaign, including a goal against Belarus back in March.
Against Northern Ireland, Wijnaldum was afforded enough opportunities to get on the scoresheet, with five shots somehow not resulting in a goal. Coming up against a Belarus side that have let in 10 goals so far, including four in the original meeting between these two sides, the Liverpool man represents a good price at 13/5 (Betfair) to score anytime.
Best Bets
Estonia v Germany – Germany -3 Handicap (1/1 Bet365)
Belarus v Netherlands – Georginio Wijnaldum to score at anytime (13/5 Betfair)
