Saturday World Cup qualifying predictions: betting preview, free football tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's European World Cup qualifiers.

Where to watch

Bosnia v Finland
Sky Sports Premier League, 2pm Saturday

Norway v Latvia
Sky Sports red button, 5pm Saturday

Best bets

Bosnia
2pts Evs bet365, Betfair, Hills

Latvia +2.5 on Asian handicap
2pts 27-40bet365

Verdict

Group D is among the most interesting European World Cup qualifying sections with four teams still battling it out for the top two positions and a strong finish could be on the cards for fourth-placed Bosnia, who look solid favourites to defeat third-placed Finland in Zenica.

The Bosnians have won just one of their six matches but they finish with home games against Finland and Ukraine (next Tuesday) and maximum points would assure them of a top-two finish.

Finland are a point better off but also need six points to guarantee a top-two spot and their final game is at home to group leaders France.

The stakes could not be much higher and home advantage could be a massive help to the Bosnians, whose squad includes talented midfielder Miralem Pjanic and 35-year-old striker Edin Dzeko, who has netted seven Serie A goals for Inter this season.

Finland cannot boast such an array of talent but they are a disciplined, spirited group who were far from disgraced at Euro 2020.

However, the Finns have lost two of their last three qualifiers and may struggle to grind out a result this weekend.

Norway are battling it out with the Netherlands at the top of Group F but could be made to work hard for three points against fifth-placed Latvia in Oslo.

Erling Haaland has been Norway's top scorer in qualifying with five goals but he misses out with a hip injury and that should encourage the Latvians, who have not lost any of their eight qualifiers by more than two goals.

Latvia can be competitive once again and are worth supporting in receipt of a 2.5-goal head start on the Asian handicap – meaning a winning wager should they avoid losing by three goals or more.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport