UEFA World Cup Qualifying Odds & Picks: Matchday 4 (Sept 1)

• The next round of European qualifiers for Qatar 2022 Europe take place on Wednesday, September 1
• Among the big names is Portugal vs Republic of Ireland and Denmark vs Scotland
• We list the odds for all 13 games and preview three, offering our best picks

Qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar continues on Wednesday, September 1 with a round of 13 games. Among the 13 ties, Portugal takes on the Republic of Ireland, while France and Netherlands are also in action.

We list all 13 games, show the odds, preview three, and offer some picks for each below.

World Cup European Qualifying Odds

All odds taken Aug 31 at DraftKings

Portugal vs Republic of Ireland Prediction

Portugal suffered a disappointing summer during which they failed to retain their European Championship – crashing out at the round-of-16 stage after narrowly losing to Belgium – but currently sit joint top of World Cup qualifying Group A with Serbia. The Republic of Ireland is currently point-less.

🔙🏠 A Seleção está 𝘿𝙀 𝙑𝙊𝙇𝙏𝘼! #VamosComTudo

🔙🏠 #TeamPortugal is 𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆! pic.twitter.com/f7VqE9COYn

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) August 30, 2021

Despite having the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo to call upon, Portugal’s disappointing Euro 2020 means they come into this game off the back of a three-game winless run, and they still have work to do if they are to finish top of Group A and grab the one automatic qualifying spot. And while the Irish are currently pointless, their need for some points could potentially lead to a tricky opening half-hour for Ronaldo and co.

🧙‍♂️@jamie_mc_gra 👏#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #PORIRL pic.twitter.com/UMLAjUyMHK

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) August 31, 2021

One stat the Irish will be aware of is that Portugal is unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup qualification games and, on top of that, have an excellent home record. Ireland’s form is poor and they are without a win in their last four World Cup qualification games; failing to score in two and with three consecutive defeats. So, while the home win offers little by way of value, the best way to go is forecasting the score and the number of goals scored.

Picks: Portugal to win 3-0 (+525) / Portugal to win by three goals (+330)

Norway vs Netherlands Prediction

The Dutch travel to Oslo’s Ulleval Stadion to play Norway in this Group G clash, with both sides level on six points and one point behind leaders Turkey. The Norwegians are looking for their third win on the spin and, as ever, will be relying heavily on Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, although will also be boosted by the return of Watford striker Joshua King, who rejoins the squad after missing the summer friendlies.

Sander Berge måtte i går melde forfall til kommende landskamper. Ny spiller inn i troppen er Fredrik Aursnes. pic.twitter.com/OoyVyEh4yl

— Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) August 30, 2021

For Netherlands, this is the start of a new era, with Frank de Boer stepping down after a disappointing Euros and being replaced by Louis van Gaal, who now takes charge of the Oranje for his third spell. He takes on a squad that has plenty of talent that includes the new leader of the Barcelona attack, Memphis Depay, but which all too often fails to deliver.

The Netherlands squad confirmed!

Malacia and Rensch make their debuts in the squad

Til and Bergwijn are in too! pic.twitter.com/rgHNMTw4i1

— Dutch Football 🇳🇱 (@FootballOranje_) August 27, 2021

In what is a very competitive group, with both teams having won twice and suffered a defeat, this is a game that neither team can really afford to lose. The Norwegians have a decent record in Oslo and with Haaland in their side, they always have a chance. While the Dutch start as favorites, the draw is definitely worth considering, but I see an upset here and the +350 on offer for the Norway win looks tempting.

Pick: Norway to win (+350)

Russia vs Croatia Prediction

The top two in Group H meet in Moscow’s Luzhniki Arena in a group that remains very hard to call. A win for Russia would see them leapfrog Croatia who currently leads the group on goal difference, and with their good home form, the home win here should be considered.

😍🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/bB9FbFRc7V

— Сборная России (@TeamRussia) August 30, 2021

In a much-changed Russian squad that no longer includes Artem Dzyuba, the attacking and creative onus falls on Monaco’s Aleksandr Golovin, while Valencia winger Denis Cheryshev also returns after missing their last qualifier, against Slovakia, through injury. For Croatia, veteran midfielder Luka Modric misses out, while Ante Rebic and Bruno Petkovic have been surprisingly omitted from Zlatko Dalić’s squad, and so it will a youthful, inexperienced team that lines up in Moscow.

🆕 First practice session with #Croatia senior squad!

✅ Nikola Moro
✅ Borna Sosa
✅ Ivica Ivušić#BeProud #Vatreni🔥 pic.twitter.com/jSPaQuro0z

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) August 31, 2021

The good home form of the Russians could be decisive here, as well as the absence of Modric. While the visitors start as favorites, the value here is with the Russian win.

Pick: Russia to win (+185)