Bet on Italy and Portugal while in Wales, we expect a few goals: Accumulator Tips for March 24

On March 24, we have the play-off matches for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. In our accumulator predictions, we pick our best bets for the next fixtures!

Italy vs North Macedonia: The Squadra Azzurra has no margin for error

The Italian team looked great in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers but lost points in their last two matches. They failed to beat first Switzerland (1-1) and then modestly-favoured Northern Ireland (0-0) to move into the tie for first place in the group, losing to Switzerland. The Northern Macedonian national team looked great in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, picking up 18 points in ten games to finish second in their group. The Macedonians were only beaten by the Germans, while the Romanians were one point ahead of them in a tight battle.

The upcoming match is incredibly important for both national teams, nothing needs to be said here. Had it been held in Northern Macedonia, we think this side would have had a chance. But it will be held in Palermo, where the Squadra Azzurra fans will root for their team to advance. The difference in class between the players is visible to the naked eye - and we think it will play a major role in this battle. After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the Italians simply have no margin for error.

• Bet: Handicap 1 (-2)

Portugal vs Turkey: Cristiano Ronaldo and company will have no problem with the Turks

Portugal had a good chance of missing the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and a direct ticket to Qatar. However, in the last round of the group stage, they sensationally lost to Serbia in Lisbon, which put them in second place in the group, letting the Serbs ahead. As for Turkey, they did remarkably well towards the end of World Cup 2022 qualifying, scoring nine points in three games. That put them second in the group, three points ahead of the Norwegians.

Yes, Turkey’s World Cup qualifiers looked good, but their opponents were not top-ranked either. At UEFA EURO 2020, they got a terrible showing - 0-3 against Italy, 0-2 against Wales, and 1-3 against Switzerland. We think they have no chance of holding off Cristiano Ronaldo and company in Porto. Turkey’s defence often falters - the upcoming match is unlikely to be an exception. We propose a bet on goals for the home team.

• Bet: Individual Total 1 Over (1.5)

Wales vs Austria: We are in for a dull match

The Welsh squad had a good showing at the 2022 World Cup qualifying, finishing second in a group with Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Belarus. The Welsh scored 15 points, one ahead of third-placed Czech Republic, in the crucial final game that stalwart Belgium 1-1. Austria’s qualification wasn’t the reason they reached the knockout stages - it was their qualifying win in Group 1 of the 2020/21 Nations League. In the ‘official’ qualifying, though, Austria finished just fourth, being edged out by the Danes, the Scots and the Israelis.

We’re not expecting too many goals in the upcoming game. The Welsh team, and even in Cardiff, cannot be regarded as underdogs - the team is extremely strong. Austria also have a good squad that will travel to Qatar. We expect a very viscous, defensive and dull football, with a minimum of chances and, goal scoring. There is too much at stake, so the risks will be kept to a minimum.

• Bet: Total Under (2.5)