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Sunday's Nations League predictions including England vs. Republic of Ireland

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 November 2024, 06:00
Latvia vs. Armenia (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Both looking to bounce back following defeats earlier in the week, Latvia and Armenia will lock horns in League C Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League at Stadions Skonto on Sunday afternoon.

The Wolves were unsuccessful on the road at North Macedonia on Thursday night, whilst Havakakan suffered a shock defeat at home to the Faroe Islands.

We say: Latvia 2-2 Armenia

Both needing a win to have any chance of finishing second, we are expecting a high-scoring affair between Latvia and Armenia this weekend.

Havakakan's confidence will be low following the defeat to Faroe Islands last time out, so we feel that the visitors will only manage a point in Riga.

N. Macedonia vs. Faroe Islands (Sunday, 2.00pm)

North Macedonia host the Faroe Islands in a UEFA Nations League encounter at Tose Proeski Arena this weekend, having already secured promotion to League B for the first time in their history.

Meanwhile, the visitors have it all to play for, with qualification for the promotion playoffs now in their sight.

We say: North Macedonia 1-0 Faroe Islands

North Macedonia have taken control of this group and they are unbeaten in their last six fixtures on home soil. The Faroes have put themselves in a good position to reach the playoffs, but historically they have struggled away from home.

Therefore, we are going with a narrow 1-0 win for the hosts, which could hinder the Faroe Islands' promotion hopes if results elsewhere go against them.

England vs. Rep. Ireland (Sunday, 5.00pm)

Knowing that victory will assure them of a direct route back into the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, England conclude League B Group 2 at home to the Republic of Ireland on Sunday evening.

The visit of the Boys in Green will also mark the end of Lee Carsley's interim reign, two months after he masterminded a 2-0 victory over his birth nation in his inaugural game in charge.

We say: England 3-0 Republic of Ireland

Much was made of England's spate of withdrawals earlier this month, but multiple players pulling out has allowed others to thrive, and Carsley's young guns should flaunt their talent to the maximum once again on Sunday.

Ireland should not roll over and accept defeat, but there is every chance that they will stay in third or fourth gear with nothing significant on the line, and Carsley should get one over his home country yet again to bow out on a high.

> Kane to start Carsley's final game? Predicted England XI against Ireland

Finland vs. Greece (Sunday, 5.00pm)

With their automatic promotion fate now out of their own hands, Greece conclude League B Group 2 of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League away to doomed Finland on Sunday evening.

The Pirate Ship lost their grip on first place in the section on Thursday with a 3-0 loss to England, while their Scandinavian hosts remain pointless and are already consigned to relegation.

We say: Finland 0-2 Greece

Greece were not bereft of opportunities in the final third during their loss to England - they were simply outclassed by the more superior attacking unit - and Jovanovic's team should have no trouble flexing their muscles in Finland.

The relegated hosts could be forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal and conserving their energy for the return of domestic football, but even if Greece prevail as expected, it should not be enough to pip England to the coveted automatic promotion spot.

Austria vs. Slovenia (Sunday, 5.00pm)

Group B3 leaders Austria welcome Slovenia to Vienna in the final matchday of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening.

In one of the tightest sections across the entire competition, three teams can still trade positions on the final day, including these two.

We say: Austria 2-0 Slovenia

Despite a slow start to the section, Austria are starting to show the form that made many sit up and take notice at times during Euro 2024, and they should end the night as Group B3 winners.

Slovenia's 4-1 loss at home to Norway on Thursday was a massive missed opportunity for them to break into the top two, and they look unlikely to do so now against a strong Austria side.

Norway vs. Kazakhstan (Sunday, 5.00pm)

Norway welcome already-relegated Kazakhstan to Oslo on the final matchday of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening.

The hosts are assured of a top-two finish in Group B3, but can seal automatic promotion to League A simply with a favour from Slovenia in Vienna.

We say: Norway 4-0 Kazakhstan

After a very impressive attacking display in Ljubljana on Thursday night, Norway will be brimming with confidence and should have no problem in claiming all three points, as most involved with the Lions may have one eye on events in Vienna.

Kazakhstan have lost 11 of their last 14 away games, and without a goal yet in the group, another difficult night looms for a nation that are slightly out of their depth, and a long way from home.

Israel vs. Belgium (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Both cut adrift in League A Group 2, rock-bottom Israel and third-placed Belgium will battle to avoid automatic demotion in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

After a dismal campaign, the Belgians must merely avoid losing by three goals in Budapest, though they still face the prospect of a relegation playoff.

We say: Israel 0-2 Belgium

Belgium ultimately brushed aside Israel when they last met in Hungary, firing in 25 shots and having two-thirds of the ball.

Despite being disjointed and a little downtrodden following recent setbacks, the Red Devils should again lay siege to the Israeli defence and finish off their Group 2 campaign with a win.

Italy vs. France (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Already qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with one game to spare, European heavyweights Italy and France will convene at San Siro on Sunday.

While the Azzurri continued their unbeaten run to stay top of League A Group 2 in midweek, Les Bleus were held to a home draw and must now win by two goals in order to finish first.

We say: Italy 1-1 France

In spite of its high profile as a standalone fixture, this clash could peter out into a low-scoring draw due to the surrounding circumstances.

Both teams are already through to the quarter-finals - and Italy are in pole position to top Group 2 - so avoiding injury will be upmost in some players' minds before heading back to club football.

> Spalletti to swap strikers: Kean or Retegui? Predicted Italy lineup vs. France

> Thuram or Kolo Muani to replace absent Mbappe? Predicted France lineup vs. Italy

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