It’s that time of year again when all the club football is over and we have to make do with watching our respective nations do their thing before the break… International sides take part in qualifiers and friendlies this month before the players are given the chance to hang up their boots for a few weeks, while we’re left to twiddle our thumbs and read up about all the transfer news. Anyway, we might as well make the most of the plethora of international games taking place over the next few days and try to make some money on some of the results that could come our way. International games can often be difficult to judge, especially with friendlies, but I’ve put together a little accumulator for myself that should be a nice little earner for me – and you if you decide to retrace my footsteps.
I’ve gone with a Germany win over San Marino – a sure bet given that Die Mannschaft have scored 27 in three games against them, a Denmark victory in Kazakhstan, a Dutch triumph over Luxembourg, three points for Spain v Macedonia and a Belgian win in Estonia. I’ve also put England in there to beat Scotland at Hampden Park in what is going to be a massive game. It’s the only result that could potentially be a banana skin on the accumulator, but the Three Lions are usually very good in qualifying. Meanwhile, a little more closer to home, we’ve got a huge game taking place in Uyo, Nigeria, as Bafana Bafana face the Super Eagles in a big African Cup of Nations qualifier. Usually I wouldn’t bet on a South African victory over Nigeria – that’s why it’s not in my acca – but I do have a feeling that a win could be possible this time around. I have watched Bafana train under Stuart Baxter this week and there certainly seems to be a rekindled sense of optimism. The players look energised and happy, and – with the player selected – it could be their best chance of beating Nigeria. It’s never happened in a competitive game (and only once ever) but I’m slinging a few rand on a Bafana win this weekend, although it’s going to be tight. I’ve gone for a 1-0 myself. I think it’s worth putting some money on a Tokelo Rantie goal – he’s been deemed fit to play – because he played havoc against the Nigerians a few years ago and I think he’s probably the player that they’re most scared of.