UEFA World Cup Qualifying Odds & Picks: Matchday 4 (Sept 2)

• Euro 2020 finalists England and winners Italy are in World Cup Qualifying action on Thursday September, 2nd
• Matchday 4 of qualification features some crucial fixtures, including a matchup between Sweden and Spain in Group B
• Read below for the latest odds for Thursday’s matches, betting previews and picks

The club season has only just hit its stride in Europe. This early-September international break always feels ill-timed, but this is of particular significance as teams look to build on (or perhaps regroup) after the Euros. Matchday 4 of World Cup Qualifying is upon us, and while it has been a strong start for most of the favorites, this international stint is a real opportunity to take control of their respective groups.

England, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Spain are the biggest names on the September 2nd schedule. Spain face the challenge of Sweden, while England head to Budapest for a challenging matchup with Hungary. Alongside the English and Hungarians in Group I, Poland host Albania with a great chance to put the pressure on.

The odds for all 12 of Thursday’s matches can be found in the table below followed by three previews and picks.

UEFA World Cup Qualifying Odds – September 2nd

Odds as of Sept 1 at DraftKings

Sweden vs Spain Prediction

Spain and Sweden started qualifying solidly. They followed up those efforts with strong performances at the Euros. The Swedes held Spain to a draw in their opening match of the tournament and recorded wins over Slovakia and Poland to top the group.

Pedri hasn't been named in Spain's latest squad 🇪🇸

Finally some rest for the 18-year-old 😅 pic.twitter.com/76oRaS0fFa

— Goal India (@Goal_India) August 26, 2021

Spain was a penalty shootout away from reaching the final of the delayed tournament.

Luis Enrique has a very different squad to the one that starred at the Euros. Pedri, Pau Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo have been rested, while Thiago Alcantara, Diego Llorente and Fabian Ruiz were left out.

Alexander Isak showed a ton of promise in his bright showing against Spain ☀️

Don't sleep on that potential.#SWE #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/BN91NEDxc3

— Goal (@goal) June 15, 2021

Sweden’s main absence is Marcus Danielson, who is serving a suspension. They did a stellar job against Spain in the Euros, and with the visitors having a weakened squad, there’s value in backing Janne Andersson’s team to avoid defeat.

Pick: Sweden or draw (+105)

Italy vs Bulgaria Prediction

Champions of Europe and riding a 34-match unbeaten run, Italy are the best team in the world right now. Roberto Mancini has overseen a comprehensive turnaround, which included a 100% start to Group C.

#Azzurri 🇮🇹

Coach Roberto #Mancini has named his squad for the upcoming fixtures against Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Switzerland 🇨🇭 and Lithuania 🇱🇹

For more details 👉 https://t.co/ZfPlwTb1mF#VivoAzzurro #WCQ #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/5QYiLv2SL6

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) August 27, 2021

It’s three 2-0 wins in World Cup Qualifying for the Azzurri, including a comfortable victory over Bulgaria in Sofia back in March. Mancini has named a familiar-looking squad, with Andrea Belotti the only notable absentee.

Bulgaria have just one point from their three group matches to date. They have only found the net once, which doesn’t bode well against such a resolute Italy defense. The Lions registered just three shots when the teams met earlier this year.

Roberto Mancini: "I would give him (Jorginho) the Ballon d’Or, he deserves it because he won everything this season."

— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) August 30, 2021

Even if Italy don’t replicate their scintillating summer performances, this should be a straightforward win. The same odds are available for -2.5 and to win both halves. Winning both halves looks the safer bet given Italy’s love of 2-0 wins in qualifying so far.

Pick: Italy to win both halves (-110)

Hungary vs England Prediction

Hungary are second to England in Group I as the Three Lions embark on a tricky few days. Traveling to Budapest and Warsaw, Gareth Southgate’s team face a stern test as they look to bounce back from Euro 2020 disappointment.

Your @bt_uk England Men's Player of the Year…

👏 @Kalvinphillips pic.twitter.com/SZKTlEfXrt

— England (@England) August 31, 2021

England have won all three of their matches so far, but they face a Hungary side which has picked up seven of nine available points thanks to comfortable wins over Andorra and San Marino. They also played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Poland.

Losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties broke England’s 12-match unbeaten streak. They kept 10 clean sheets in that period, and they are at almost full strength for this international break. Phil Foden and Ben Chilwell are the only potential starters who are unavailable.

A stunning brace on your full #Bundesliga debut? 🤔

Yes please, said Dominik #Szoboszlai 😋 pic.twitter.com/WOsvxZOVGJ

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) August 24, 2021

Hungary welcomes wonderkid Dominik Szoboszlai into the squad after missing the summer’s tournament through injury. He brings an X-factor to the Hungary attack, but his inclusion isn’t enough to swing this in the hosts’ favor.

It won’t be easy for the visitors, though their solid defense and array of attacking talent is enough to get them a win to nil at the Puskas Arena.

Pick: England to win to nil (+105)