Saturday's Euro 2020 qualifying matches: free tips, best bets and where to watch

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Where to watch

Live on Sky Sports Premier League & red button from 5pm Saturday.

Best bets

Both teams to score in Croatia v Slovakia
2pts 5-4 bet365, BoyleSports, Red Zone
Back this tip with bet365
Belgium
1pt Evs bet365, RedZone
Back this tip with bet365

Match previews

Euro 2020 qualifying Group E has generated just 43 goals in 16 matches, an average of 2.69 per game, but there could be fireworks between Croatia and Slovakia, who go head-to-head in Rijeka.

A point would seal a top-two finish for sectional leaders Croatia but there is a different agenda for Slovakia, who must win to ensure that their qualification hopes remains in their hands.

Croatia are in the driving seat but their position is potentially precarious because the Slovakia match is their last of the campaign and a defeat would leave them sweating on the outcome of Tuesday's games.

Playing for a draw would be risky because they are stretched at the back with first-choice defenders Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren serving one-match bans.

To make matters worse, key midfielder Ivan Rakitic is injured, although they are strong in the centre of the park with Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic set to feature.

There should be gaps for Croatia to exploit because Slovakia will be targeting maximum points.

The Slovaks have had an up-and-down campaign, showing their better side with wins away to Azerbaijan (5-1) and Hungary (2-1) but going down to a dismal 4-0 loss at home to Croatia.

Their situation – in third with two games to play – should encourage an attacking approach and contribute to an entertaining game.

Slovakia have scored and conceded in three of their last four competitive matches and there is value in backing both teams to score at odds-against prices.

Belgium rubber-stamped their passage to Euro 2020 with three games to spare but they still have top spot in Group I to play for and can clinch it by defeating Russia in Saint Petersburg.

Despite having already qualified, there are incentives for Russia and Belgium, because the result may have a bearing on their seeding at next summer's finals.

Both have selected strong squads although Belgium manager Roberto Martinez will have to switch things around at the back with regular starters Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Meunier ruled out with injuries.

Russia have had a solid campaign, winning seven of their eight games, but they lost 3-1 in Brussels in March and may be set for another reality check.

Belgium are the third favourites in the Euro 2020 betting at 7-1 and look attractively priced to maintain their 100 per cent record.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport