Friday's Nations League predictions including Italy vs. England

Georgia vs. N. Macedonia (Friday, 5.00pm)

The top two spots in League C Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League could be decided on Friday night, as Georgia play host to North Macedonia at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena.

Willy Sagnol's side currently sit at the summit with 10 points to their name, and one point would be enough to confirm their promotion to League B, with their opponents down in second and three points worse off.

We say: Georgia 2-1 North Macedonia

With quality difference-makers set to take to the field for both teams this week, expect an open encounter with an abundance of goalmouth action, especially with a much-coveted promotion on the line.

The defensive nous of Sagnol's men could make all the difference, though, and while the hosts may not pull off another comfortable 3-0 win, we have faith in Georgia to prevail and confirm their spot in League B at the expense of North Macedonia.

Estonia vs. Malta (Friday, 5.00pm)

Estonia play host to Malta in League D Group 2 knowing that victory will secure promotion to the third tier of the UEFA Nations League.

Meanwhile, only a win will do for the visitors if they want to leave Estonia with work to do in their final fixture with San Marino.

We say: Estonia 1-0 Malta

Having pushed Estonia all the way in the reverse fixture, Malta will be confident of replicating that performance on Friday. However, Estonia are playing this game with the backup of a game with San Marino still to come, and competing with less pressure should play into their favour.

Germany vs. Hungary (Friday, 7.45pm)

Germany have the chance to move top of Group A3 of the UEFA Nations League when they host Hungary on Friday.

The visitors surprisingly lead the way heading into the encounter, having stunned England with a 4-0 victory last time out.

We say: Germany 2-0 Hungary

While Hungary have shown that they can compete with any nation in the world, they are generally harder to beat when playing in front of their vociferous home support.

The absence of Sallai could deny them a useful out-ball in transition, and we expect Germany to have too much control and ability in possession for them in the end.

> How Germany could line up against Hungary

Italy vs. England (Friday, 7.45pm)

Over 14 months on from locking horns on the biggest European stage, Italy and England renew hostilities for Friday evening's UEFA Nations League clash in League A Group 3.

The Three Lions are already guaranteed to miss out on a place at the Nations League finals, while Roberto Mancini's side sit three points better off.

We say: Italy 1-1 England

Both Italy and England are a far cry from where they were at Euro 2020, so Southgate and Mancini ought to feel that their opposite number is there for the taking this week, and the hosts can play with the handbrake off given their lack of World Cup commitments.

The Three Lions will likely be forced to pack their bags and prepare for life in League B should they fail to win at San Siro, but an out-of-sorts Azzurri are still a force to be reckoned with on home soil, and we can only envisage this one ending level.

> How England could line up against Italy

> How Italy could line up against England

Bosnia H'vina vs. Montenegro (Friday, 7.45pm)

Bosnia-Herzegovina will be looking to secure first position in League B Group 3 in the UEFA Nations League when they welcome Montenegro on Friday night.

The home side are currently top of the table, one point ahead of second-placed Montenegro, with the visitors needing to avoid defeat to take the race for promotion into the final matchday.

We say: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 Montenegro

This has all of the makings of a very interesting match, with plenty on the line for both sides. It would certainly not be a surprise to see an away victory or a draw, but we just have a feeling that Bosnia will do enough to secure a huge three points in the section.

Finland vs. Romania (Friday, 7.45pm)

The two teams at the bottom of League B Group 3 in the UEFA Nations League will lock horns on Friday evening, as Finland welcome Romania to Helsinki.

Finland are currently third in the section, having collected four points from their opening four matches, while Romania are fourth, one point behind their opponents heading into this contest.

We say: Finland 1-1 Romania

Romania's only points in this group have come against Finland, but this will be a different proposition for Iordanescu's side on their travels. A point would be a better result for Finland considering how Group 3 is shaping up, and we are expecting the two teams to share the spoils on Friday night.

Bulgaria vs. Gibraltar (Friday, 7.45pm)

Bulgaria play host to Gibraltar in League C Group 4 on Friday evening looking for the win which would ensure that they remain in the third tier of the UEFA Nations League.

However, if Gibraltar can prevail in Sofia, the minnows of the group would move above their hosts with one game remaining.

We say: Bulgaria 2-0 Gibraltar

Having already earned a shock draw against Bulgaria, Gibraltar will be confident of at least repeating that feat on Friday. Nevertheless, the home side should still have enough quality to come through this contest, even if they are made to fight along the way.