Bafana to win! The SuperSportBet weekend tips
We run through the big games of the weekend to provide you with some guidance when it comes to your SuperSport Bet weekend.
Click on the highlighted text to go through and place your bet on that match. Good luck!
- Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
- Kickoff: 15:00 SAST
- Venue: Nelson Mandela Stadium, Kampala
The top two teams in Group K meet in their penultimate qualifier for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals with Uganda leading by two points. The Cranes would need only a draw to make sure they advance to the finals in Morocco, having gone through their Group K campaign dropping only points in their opening game at the Orlando Stadium where they led Bafana 2-1 before South Africa managed to scramble a draw in stoppage time at the end of the game.
An away win in Kampala would see South Africa not only secure qualification but also take top place in the standings with a home game to come against bottom placed South Sudan in Cape Town next Tuesday. That would be the optimum scenario for Hugo Broos and his side, who would be hoping for a seeding for the finals in Morocco. But their priority needs to be avoiding defeat, because if they lose then a potential place at the Cup of Nations finals will be under threat.
Key Betting Insights:
- Home advantage: Uganda have not always been a formidable force at home and then were forced to play some of their home games in the previous Cup of Nations qualifiers outside of Uganda because their facilities were declared not up to international standard after inspection by the Confederation of African Football. Those problems have since been fixed and the Cranes returned to Kampala where they have won three of their last four games, the only blemish coming in June when they were beaten by Algeria in World Cup qualification.
- Bafana unbeaten record: It was thanks to Thalente Mbatha’s last gasp goal that South Africa kept intact their unbeaten record against Uganda, when they last met at the Orlando Stadium in September. It was the fifth clash between the two countries with meetings down the years fairly rare. Bafana now have three wins and two draws against the Cranes. The first draw was with a second-string squad in the COSAFA Cup.
Betting angles:
- Draw: On paper, South Africa look stronger than Uganda in terms of playing personnel but such will be the mood of expectation on Friday, as their supporters await their potentially securing a Cup of Nations finals spot, that there will be enormous backing for the home side. A draw would also suit their caused, leaving South Africa to make sure of their spot in the tournament in Morocco by beating lowly South Sudan next week.
- Clean sheet: Bafana captain Ronwen Wiliams has now gone four successive games without conceding a goal and was particularly sharp and in fine form for Mamelodi Sundowns last Sunday, when they secured a spot in the Carling Knockout final with their 2-0 win over home side Marumo Gallants.
- Under 2.5 Total Goals: South Africa have scored 11 goals inn four qualifying matches in the Cup of Nations campaign and the eight Group K matches have averaged 2.88 goals per game but this clash is sure to be a cagey affair with emphasis on tight defence from both coaches.
Prediction:
- Score Prediction: Uganda 0-1 South Africa
Bafana will have the ability to snatch all three points here, as they did on their only previous visit to Kampala exactly 20 years ago when a Benni McCarthy penalty on 63 minutes sealed it for South Africa in a fairly comfortable victory.
- Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
- Kickoff: 21:45 SAST
- Venue: Parken, Copenhagen
Spain are already assured of a spot in next March’s Nations League quarter-finals but a result for Denmark would see them also advance. The Danes lost away last month to Spain in a narrow defeat with the winner from Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi arriving only 11 minutes from the end of the clash in Murcia. That has been their only defeat in this Nations League campaign, where they have won two and drawn the other of their Group A4 fixtures.
European champions Spain look to continue their dominance on the international circuit by wrapping up top place in their Nations League group. A run of 14 matches without defeat sees Spain third in the FIFA rankings and gives momentum to their bid to be in top form when the next World Cup finals in North America come around some 20 months’ time.
Key Betting Insights:
- Premier League influence: A strong Denmark side has plenty of talent from the top flight in England, with Christian Eriksen (Manchester United) bossing the midfield and club mate Rasmus Højlund leading the attack. Leicester City’s Jannick Vestergaard will play at full back. None of the starting XI are expected to come from a Danish club.
- Spain hold upper hand: This will be the 18th meeting between these two countries, and as expected, Spain have been the superior side. They have 13 wins overall, losing just twice. Spain are currently on a five-game winning streak against Denmark and have won seven of the last eight dating back to 1993.
Betting angles:
- Spain to win: Spain have been in excellent form this calendar year, having remained unbeaten in 14 consecutive fixtures including three straight wins. La Roja have shown a great attacking threat in recent games, scoring first in four of their previous five outings.
- Less than 2.5 Total Goals: Denmark have not been involved in high-scoring affairs in recent games, with less than 2.5 goals scored in seven of their previous eight internationals. Goals should be hard to come by for the Danes due to Spain’s impressive defensive record in the tournament. In four games, they have conceded just once, and this came in a 4-1 away win over Switzerland. Denmark have had similar defensive success, letting in only three goals with two clean sheets in four Nations League outings.
- First goal: Spain scored inside the opening five minutes in two of their last three matches in the Nations League, including their 4-1 away win over Switzerland and their last outing which was a 3-0 home triumph over Serbia in Cordoba.
Prediction:
- Score Prediction: Denmark 0-1 Spain
Spain will likely prove too strong for the gallant Danes, who do command considerable support at the Parken stadium but might not have the requisite firepower on the pitch to use that 12th man factor to its full effect.
- Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
- Kickoff: 21:45 SAST
- Venue: Estadio Dragao, Porto
Portugal are unbeaten in their four matches in this season’s Nations League but are not yet 100% sure of a place in next March’s quarter-finals. One point at home, however, will prove sufficient to confirm their progress and they will be runaway favourites against Poland, who must win this game to keep alive their slim chances. Poland sit six points behind Portugal in the standings.
For Poland, a win would see them join Croatia on seven points, but only if Croatia fail in their match against Scotland at the same time. A draw with Portugal would mean the Poles need to rely on Scotland taking points off Croatia. Poland participated at the 2022 World Cup and at the last European Championship in Germany in mid-year but proved disappointing in both tournaments.
Key Betting Insights:
- Ronaldo factor: The 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is back again, with no end to his international career in sight. His record-breaking spree with Portugal continued in their last Nations League clash in Scotland where he won his 216th cap. The match before that in Poland on October 12 saw him score his 133rd goal for his country. These are figures unlikely to be beaten for decades to come.
- Lewandowski absent: Injury keeps Poland’s top player Robert Lewandowski out of the match in Porto and vastly minimises their chances. His absence is always a major blow to the Polish side and as much as coach Michal Probierz says it is an opportunity for others, it is a void near impossible to fill. Lewandowski played last Sunday for Barcelona against Real Sociedad where he picked up a back injury.
Betting angles:
- Portugal to win: Home advantage for the Portuguese gives them a massive opportunity to strengthen top place in the group, which will be useful when the quarter-final pairings are sorted out. In their last 17 home matches, Portugal have won 15 times, losing two friendlies against Croatia and Spain.
- Over 2.5 Total Goals: The hosts come into this one as favourites, but both teams have had similar success in front of goal. In four games, they have scored seven goals each, though Poland have struggled defensively.
- Head to head: This will be the sixth meeting between the pair since 2012. Portugal are unbeaten in this stretch with three wins and two draws. Poland have not won against their opponents since 2006 which came in European Championship qualifying. Portugal won the reverse fixture in October, beating Poland 3-1 away from home. Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo were both on the scoresheet, adding to a late own goal.
Prediction:
- Score Prediction: Portugal 3 Poland 0
This is a game that could prove to be one way traffic for the star-studded Portuguese in their last home game of the year. They will want to sign off in fine style, especially after the disappointment of the European Championship in Germany where they looked potential winners but were eliminated on post-match penalties in the quarter-finals by France.
- Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Kickoff: 21:45 SAST
- Venue: Europa Park Stadion, Freiburg
Germany beat Bosnia 2-1 away last month in the Nations League and with 10 points out of a possible 12 in Group A3 are already guaranteed a top two finish and progress to the quarter-finals next year. They have proven unbeaten since the European Championship which they hosted in June and July and where they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by eventual winners Spain.
Bosnia have a single point and conceded nine goals in their four Nations League Group A3 matches, leaving them bottom of the pile. Their promotion to the top level of the Nations League has proven a bridge too far for them and they go into the clash in Freiburg without a victory in their last 10 outings stretching back 13 months.
Key Betting Insights:
- A stronger squad: The return of Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz since the last international window has added to coach Julian Nagelsmann's extensive options for the encounter, with VfB Stuttgart's Chris Führich also returning to a squad stacked full of midfield talent. Striker Deniz Undav, however, has pulled out after sustaining a hamstring injury. He scored both goals against Bosnia last month.
Local knowledge: Bosnia can call upon several Bundesliga-based players which might help their cause. Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirović forms a partnership capable of testing the German defence with national hero Edin Džeko, a 2008/09 Bundesliga champion with VfL Wolfsburg. St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj and Holstein Kiel midfielder Armin Gigović are also in the squad along with Hoffenheim attacker Haris Tabaković and plus three more players from the German second division.
Betting angles:
- Runaway win: Germany could go on the rampage in this tie and wrack up a sizeable score. Germany have never lost to Bosnia, having won twice and drawn once in their three meetings to date, scoring six goals and conceding three.
Anytime Goalscorer: Florian Wirtz has two goals and two assists in his last five Germany appearances. La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly ramped up their efforts to sign 21-year-old German playmaker from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
- Over 2.5 Total Goals: They could all be for the Germans, who have scored six goals in their previous two Nations League home games against Hungary and the Netherlands.
Prediction:
Score Prediction: Germany 5 Bosnia 0
Bosnia are a generally average side that have punched above their weight by reaching the top-flight of European international football. This one is expected to be a romp in the par .
- Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Kickoff: 21:45 SAST
- Venue: Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
The Dutch are generally hard to beat at home although do not have a side that is ready, yet, to challenge for European honours. They perhaps flattered at this year’s European Championship when they reached the semi-final. Coach Ronald Koeman has since introduced a few new players to his squad and is hoping they will begin to shine on the national team stage.
Hungary have the same number of points as the Dutch in Nations League Group A3 with both countries battling for the runners-up spot and progress to the quarter-finals in March. A score draw would strengthen Hungary’s case but they have the tougher finish in their last game next Tuesday when they host Germany while the Dutch go to Bosnia for their last fixture in the group phase.
Key Betting Insights:
- Midfield maestro returns: It has been 13 months since Frenkie de Jong last played for his country as a long-standing ankle injury kept him out of the game for six months. De Jong had been the engine for the Dutch side previously with his midfield fetching and carrying and probing passes and they are excited to have him back.
- A struggle: Hungary struggled in their latest games, although their last match against Bosnia helped them to seal their first win in the four Nations League fixtures. However, they managed to score in their last two matches in a row.
Betting angles:
- Netherlands to win: Hungary have won twice previously in the Netherlands but the last time was 40 years ago and the time before that almost 65 years ago. The home team quality, particularly in midfield, should ensure success for the Netherlands, who have bagged seven goals in their last two home matches
- No goal feast this time: There have been some extraordinary goal feasts when the Dutch have previously hosted Hungary. The last four visits by Hungary to the Netherlands have seen the home side win 8-1 (2013), 5-2 (2011), 6-1 (2010) and 7-1 (1994) for a 26-goal haul. But it should be a lot less profitable in front of goal this time, primarily because the Dutch have no recognised finisher while Hungary are vastly improved from a decade ago.
Prediction:
Score Prediction: Netherland 2 Hungary 0
It is likely to be a cagey affair at first as Hungary look to hold in as long as they can but the Netherlands’ expansive play should see them ahead by half time and add to that score in the second stanza.
ENGLAND v REP. IRELAND
- Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
- Kickoff: 19:00 SAST
- Venue: Wembley, London
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A last match for England under the charge of caretaker coach Lee Carsley, the former Irish international. Thomas Tuchel takes over after this game. Carsley has seen England to the summit of Nations League Group B2 and a win at home in their last game will see them back to the top level after the ignominy of relegation in the last competition.
Ireland’s record of two wins and three losses leaves them in line for the relegation play-off in their Nations League group, rather than a search for promotion but they will go to Wembley buoyed by a home triumph over Finland on Thursday.
Key Betting Insights:
- Harry’s time running out: With Harry Kane watching from the bench for over an hour on Thursday, England offered a glimpse of the future as they took control of the group with an impressive 3-0 win over Greece. It is far too early to start writing off England’s record goalscorer, but Carsley’s brave decision to drop Kane for Ollie Watkins was largely vindicated, with the Aston Villa forward opening the scoring in Athens.
- New regime: England are about to embark on a new managerial regime, something Ireland are now getting used after in July appointing Heimir Hallgrimsson on a short-term contract with just 17 months for the former Iceland boss to prove himself. He has promises to go “back to basics” to turn around the fortunes of an Ireland side he says has “underperformed” in recent campaigns as he insists, he has enough talent in a young squad.
Betting angles:
- England to win: Bolstered by the clinical nature of their win in Greece on Thursday, and the chance to ensure top place in their group, England are odds-on for a win.
- First to score: Harry Kane might have something to prove after being benched on Thursday. He surely will not have to sit among the substitutes for a second successive game and therefore be roaring in search of a goal from the start at Wembley.
- Clean sheet: England’s last home game was a shock 2-1 loss to Greece and a rarely home match without a clean sheet. Jordan Pickford kept his place, however, after that calamity and will be burning to ensure there are no Irish goals.
Prediction: England 2 Rep. Ireland 0
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Given the fiery off-field confrontations around the fixture, the English and Irish rarely play each other. England have won the last two meetings, scoring five and without conceding, and Sunday night should be no different.
ITALY v FRANCE
- Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
- Kickoff: 21:45 SAST
- Venue: San Siro, Milan
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Italy are unbeaten since a disappointing European Championship where they went out in the round of 16 to Switzerland. They top the Nations League group with a three point gap over the French and a draw ensures top place and a favourable World Cup qualifiers seeding.
France did secure their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals by avoiding defeat against Israel on Thursday but a 0-0 draw at near empty Stade de France was hardly an impressive outing. Mitigating factors was the heavy security and tense atmosphere around the match.
Key Betting Insights:
- Finely tuned: Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is putting together an exciting side, dominated by rapid movement in the midfield and the usual Italian stubborn resistance in defence. Their away win over Belgium on Thursday provided evidence of much progress
- Shadow of Mbappe: France coach Didier Deschamps has once again opted not to select Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, insisting that his absence from the national team squad "is for the best". The sexual assault case in which he has been named and his poor form at Real Madrid are impacting the former Paris St Germain star.
Betting angles:
- More than 2.5 Total Goals: Ordinarily it would be expected that matters would always be tight between the two teams, but the truth is the last five meeting between the two sides have produced 16 goals, ensuring an average of over three per game.
- Draw: The last time these two sides played out a draw was in 2007 so the odds on that outcome do not look good but given they have both qualified for the next phase of the Nations League, there might be a more relaxed pace about the match
First to score: Italy’s lead striker Mateo Retegui did not score against Belgium on Thursday but was impressive with his work rate and unlucky not to find the net. He is Serie A's leading scorer with 11 goals for Atalanta from the spot.
Prediction: Italy 1 France 1
New-look Italy have been a breath of fresh air in Group A2 but France are a class act despite their recent frustrations and there is little to choose between the sides.
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