Free betting tips and predictions |
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Tip: Kazakhstan to win
Kazakhstan enter this game knowing that anything less than a victory will officially end their already faint hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Interim coach Talgat Baysufinov has inherited a team in deep crisis – four consecutive defeats and just two wins in their last 18 matches paint a bleak picture. Even worse, the Hawks have failed to score in their last three internationals and their defence is among the leakiest in Europe. Home advantage has provided little help either, with five defeats in their last six matches at the Astana Arena. Striker Maksim Samorodov will once again be expected to lead the line, supported by creative forward Galymzhan Kenzhebek and midfielder Ramazan Orazov. Liechtenstein are in an even worse state, having failed to score in six straight games while conceding 23 goals in that time. Their away record is abysmal too, with 21 defeats in their last 25 away outings, which hardly suggests they can mount a challenge here. All signs point to a comfortable home win that will at least keep Kazakhstan’s slim qualification hopes alive for a little longer.
Tip: Belgium to win
A top-of-the-table clash in Group J pits two in-form teams against each other, separated by just one point. Belgium demolished Kazakhstan 6-0 in their last outing, proving once again that their attacking firepower is among the strongest in Europe, with 17 goals in just four matches. Rudi Garcia’s men are unbeaten in five and seem to be finding their rhythm thanks to improved chemistry between Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard. The absence of Youri Tielemans weakens the midfield slightly, but Amadou Onana and Nicolas Raskin should provide enough balance in the middle. North Macedonia also boast a solid defence and showed attacking threat in their 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein. Playmaker Enis Bardhi will be key in linking up with forwards Bojan Miovski and Aleksandar Trajkovski. History, however, is against them – they have never beaten Belgium and their best result was a 1-1 draw. If Belgium continue their current scoring form, they should have enough quality to secure three vital points and stay on course for qualification.
Tip: France to win
France have lived up to their billing as favourites in Group D, even if their first two wins were less dominant than expected. Victories over Ukraine and Iceland gave Les Bleus six points and showed that even in transition they remain a formidable force. Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola spearheaded a comeback against Iceland, demonstrating the resilience of Didier Deschamps’ side. Despite missing key names like Aurelien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembele, the quality remains extremely high – Mbappe will be joined in attack by Kingsley Coman and Michael Olise, who should significantly boost the forward line. Azerbaijan surprised many by drawing with Ukraine in September, but they are still winless since June and have a dreadful goal record. Their main hope will be striker Emin Mahmudov, though he is unlikely to trouble the French defence alone. With superior talent, depth, and experience on their side, France are overwhelming favourites, and anything less than a comfortable victory would be a seismic shock.
Tip: Germany to win
Germany’s qualifying campaign has been far more difficult than expected. After a shock 2-0 defeat in Slovakia, they bounced back with a win over Northern Ireland, but the performance was again unconvincing. Coach Julian Nagelsmann is under pressure – his record remains average and the team is still searching for its best shape and rhythm. This match against Luxembourg therefore comes at the perfect time, as their opponents are among the weakest sides in Europe. Germany will be without several key players, including Antonio Rudiger, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, giving younger players like Nick Woltemade and Nathaniel Brown a chance to impress. Luxembourg fought bravely in their first two qualifiers but still came away empty-handed and are winless in nine competitive matches. Their main challenge will be absorbing the pressure and capitalising on rare counter-attacks. Given the gulf in quality, motivation, and history, Germany should record a straightforward win and boost their qualification campaign.
Tip: Double chance: Iceland or draw
Iceland impressed in their opening 5-0 win over Azerbaijan and even caused France problems in their second match, taking an early lead before losing 2-1. That performance boosted confidence ahead of this crucial battle for second place in the group. The Gudjohnsen brothers will lead the Icelandic attack again, while Isak Bergmann Johannesson will add creativity in midfield. Ukraine, on the other hand, have yet to hit top gear – they lost to France and were held by Azerbaijan, with their attack underperforming so far. However, coach Serhiy Rebrov’s squad still has plenty of quality, with Heorhiy Sudakov, Oleksandr Zubkov and Vladyslav Vanat expected to be key. The history of this fixture slightly favours Ukraine, who beat Iceland in the Euro 2024 playoff. Both sides know how important this game is – a win for Iceland would put them in a strong position, while Ukraine simply cannot afford defeat. Expect a tight, evenly contested battle where Iceland’s home advantage could be decisive.
Tip: Double chance: Kosovo or draw
Kosovo come into this match full of confidence after their sensational 2-0 victory over Sweden in September. That result highlighted just how far the team has come, transforming from underdogs into dangerous opponents. The Dardanians have lost just two of their last 11 matches, scoring 26 goals in the process. Star striker Vedat Muriqi, the nation’s all-time top scorer, will once again lead the line, supported by Mergim Vojvoda and a solid defensive unit. Slovenia, meanwhile, are struggling, having failed to win either of their opening two qualifiers. Benjamin Sesko and Jaka Bijol bring star quality, but Matjaz Kek’s side lack confidence and attacking creativity. While Slovenia have won both previous competitive meetings, the situation is very different now. Kosovo will look to build on their momentum and could move a step closer to a historic qualification with another strong result at home.
Tip: Slovakia to win
Windsor Park will host one of the most important matches of Northern Ireland’s qualifying campaign. After a solid start with a win over Luxembourg and a brave display in Germany, Michael O’Neill’s side will aim to shock the group leaders. Their main strength is a solid defence, which has kept four consecutive clean sheets at home, and the excellent form of Isaac Price, who has eight goals in his last nine internationals. Slovakia, however, look well-organised and confident – their 2-0 victory over Germany showed they fear no one. Captain Milan Skriniar anchors the defence, while Stanislav Lobotka controls the tempo in midfield. Up front, David Strelec and Leo Sauer provide a potent attacking threat. Slovakia have won three of their last four meetings with Northern Ireland and once again appear to have the upper hand. If they maintain their current form, they should claim another crucial three points in Belfast.
Tip: Switzerland to win
Sweden are in deep crisis after a shocking 2-0 defeat to Kosovo, and pressure is mounting on head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. Despite that, the federation has kept faith in him, and this match could be pivotal for his future. The squad still boasts plenty of attacking quality, with Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga all capable of producing moments of magic. However, defensive inconsistency and a lack of experience in goal following Robin Olsen’s exit remain major concerns. Switzerland, by contrast, are in excellent form – they have won five of their six matches in 2025 and began qualifying with two convincing victories. Granit Xhaka continues to be a driving force in midfield alongside Fabian Rieder, while striker Breel Embolo will be the main threat in attack. History and current form both heavily favour the visitors, and Switzerland should have few problems extending their perfect start to the campaign.
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