Home and Away: Finland eyeing top two as they travel to Belarus

Jonno Turner looks at international action in Belarus and Belgrade today...

We're off to Homel for our first pick of the day - as Belarus host Finland in Group I, with both sides looking to keep their faint qualification dreams alive.

The home side sit bottom of their mini league going into this clash, with just three points from five outings, and boss Georgi Kondratiev will be desperate for his charges to secure a maximum return here, in front of their own fans.

But just one win from half a dozen with home advantage suggests that the Reds may struggle in this encounter at the Stadyen Central'ny - and five losses from their last six World Cup qualifying outings will have knocked confidence in the Belarus camp.

Finland travel to the second largest city occupying third place in the group - and with a five point margin separating themselves and second placed France, they need to take maximum points here in order to keep within touching distance of the qualification places.

And the Scandinavians will be buoyed by some decent results of late, with six unbeaten from seven underlining just how difficult to beat Mixu Paatelainen has made his side.

Back to back wins (and clean sheets) ahead of this clash will see the visitors line up for this clash with high hopes, and they'll be keen to pick up their fifth win from eight on the road here.

A victory would move them to within just two points of France, and ramp up the pressure on the top two - and I reckon Finland are cracking value in this game.

Bet 1: Finland (AWAY) @ 4

Switching our attentions to Belgrade now, as Switzerland U19 face Slovakia U19 in a must win game.

The Swiss line up for this one sitting top of their group with four points - but with second placed Serbia breathing down their necks, and just a point behind, it is integral that they take maximum points from this clash.

And a 1-0 victory over the hosts last week will have boosted morale in Claude Ryf's side, who are unbeaten so far in the group stage of this championship.

On the contrary, Slovakia go into this clash in miserable form, and sit bottom of the group following a 4-0 opening game thrashing by the Serbs, and a draw against Ireland last time out.

Milan Malatinsky's need a miracle in order to gain qualification now - and they look extremely unlikely to be able to halt the momentum of their opponents here.

Eleven goals shipped in four Championship outings suggests that Switzerland are likely to be presented with a chance or two here - and I reckon that could be the difference in this clash.

Bet 2: Switzerland U19 @ 1.73

Bet HERE

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