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Teams gear up for another round of World Cup Qualification matches, as we edge closer to Qatar. Thursday’s slate has much to be excited about, as a bettor I almost can’t contain myself and must practice patience. What I am targeting in this round of matches is value. I am trying my hardest to have as little vig in my bets as humanly possible. Right now, I have found two bets, one more on the juicy side and the other is plus money. You can find these bets on PointsBet Sportsbook.
Portugal vs Turkey (Thursday, 3:45 p.m. ET)
Three-way Moneyline: Portugal (-278) | Draw (+380) | Turkey (+750)
Over 2.5 goals (-136)
I know I mentioned wanting as little vig as possible when backing bets internationally. However, this bet jumped off the page and screamed, “Please Brad, place 2-units on this.” One constant that has remained true in Portugal’s qualification matches, is there are goals to be had. When fit, Portugal have one of the offensive units in football; Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, and Christiano Ronaldo. Even if Joao Felix is inserted, he’s a great plug in for anyone he will replace.
As much faith as I put in their offense, I put equal faith in their defense. By that, I mean I trust that Portugal will let in at least one goal against Turkey. Their backline has been decimated. Rúben Dias is out due to injury, Joao Cancelo is out due to suspension and Pepe is unavailable due to a positive COVID-19 test.
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Turkey have the talent to test the Portuguese backline that is being held together by duct tape. It all starts with Lille striker Burak Yilmaz. The 36-year Yilmaz knows his international window is closing and would be wise to put forth maximum effort. Since Turkey’s disastrous Euro 2020, they have scored in every World Cup qualification match, six of which have seen at least three goals.
For Portugal, at least three goals have been scored in four of their last five World Cup Qualification matches. I think you could play both teams to score, both teams to score + over 2.5 goals, or just over 2.5 (-136)
Wales vs Austria (Thursday, 3:45 p.m. ET)
Three-way Moneyline: Wales (+180) | Draw (+195) | Austria (+170)
Both teams to score (+105)
Interesting match up here between two hungry teams. Wales are so close to earing their first trip to the World Cup since 1958. The winner of Wales vs Austria will play the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine, which has been postponed to June due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
I am attacking both teams to score (+105). I expect the game to start off a bit controlled and Wales to focus primarily on keeping their shape. Keeper Dany Ward is out due to injury, while would mean they would be wise to limit the shots back up keeper Wayne Hennessey must face. Austria have the offensive talent in Christoph Baumgartner, Marko Arnutovic and Marcel Sabitzer to find the back of Wales’ net. They have scored in five of their last seven World Cup qualification matches. The best news is Hoffenheim’s Baumgartner comes into this match in fine form, scoring three goals in his last four matches.
On the other side of the park, Austria will want to remained focused defensively. However, Wales will have the luxury of playing this match at home. The home crowd should give them an added offensive boost. More good news for Wales is the availability of Gareth Bale. He’s fit and should start Thursday. A healthy Bale and a rested Aaron Ramsey is exactly what our bet needs. Both teams to score has hit in four of Wales last six World Cup qualification matches. At +105, it’s a bet that I am not thinking twice.
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