Iceland to turn form around in Armenia
After a tricky campaign in League A of the Nations League Iceland have the chance to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup, in a six team Group J they have a great opportunity to make the playoffs. Germany are the top nation then it may be between the Icelandics and Romania for second spot. Armenia earned promotion into League B of the Nations League recently, so will be full of confidence but the status of the players and past performances of these two teams see Iceland come in as value favourites in my book. Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson have the attacking quality to cause all kinds of problems.
Group J
Surprise Euro 2020 qualifiers North Macedonia are in the six, somewhat of a wildcard and Liechtenstein bring up the rear, the bottom pot nation, who however managed to take a point off of Armenia in the last qualifying campaign. This match will be of increased importance with Iceland facing, on paper, the toughest match of the group stage away to Germany first off the bat with Armenia travelling to Liechtenstein. The chances are that the visitors will be three points behind the hosts coming into this one. If that does materialise then I back their determination and could see losing the first match putting them in a stronger mindset to put in a good display in Armenia.
Market
Despite the visitors losing their last five they have given Armenia far too much respect in the prices, Iceland who were competing in League A of the Nations League, an incredible achievement for such a small country, are around evens with most bookmakers. In terms of the quality and experience of their squad, this one is no match, they do not tend to score freely but pound for pound they are comfortably the better side here.
Goals?
I can see the Icelandics keeping it tight and winning by a goal or two to nil so a goals angle does not appeal to me.
- Armenia have scored in eight of 10.
- Armenia have conceded in eight of 10.
- Armenia have seen both teams score in six of 10.
- Armenia have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
- Iceland have scored in seven of 10.
- Iceland have conceded in eight of 10.
- Iceland have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- Iceland have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of 10.
Iceland are the bet here, with such a cohesive squad the prize of a playoff spot for World Cup qualification should bring the best of them in this campaign.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A week to forget, 2-0 Armenia.