Macedonia v Latvia - 19:45

We start with the glamour tie: Macedonia v Latvia.

With both sides competing in League D of the recently-completed Nations League group stages, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a close one to call.

However, while Latvia were winless in their six matches, finishing joint-bottom with Andorra, Macedonia romped to promotion, and I don’t think they’ll have too many issues against this poor Latvian outfit.

Macedonia - 1pt @ 40/85

Northern Ireland v Estonia - 19:45

Next up, I’m expecting Northern Ireland to secure a home win against Estonia.

While Michael O’Neill’s men were relegated from an incredibly tough Nations League group containing Bosnia and Austria – and even then, their performances were far from a disgrace – Estonia were relegated into League D, leaving me in little doubt as to where the points will be heading on Thursday.

Estonia lost to-nil away at Finland and Hungary, and I’m expecting a similar story here.

Northern Ireland - 1pt @ 13/25

Croatia v Azerbaijan - 19:45

Croatia emphatically crashed out of the Nations League top-tier with a crushing defeat to England at Wembley, but I expect them to roar back into business against the might of Azerbaijan – with a -2 handicap.

23/20 looks generous, especially considering the visitors lost 4-0 against Kosovo back in November. The gulf in class is stark, and Croatia will want a big win to kick-off their qualification campaign.

Croatia -2 - 1pt @ 23/20

Netherlands v Belarus - 19:45

Last but not least, I’m expecting The Netherlands to beat Belarus with a -1 handicap.

Despite failing to qualify for the last two major tournaments, the Dutch have significantly improved under Ronald Koeman, and topping a Nations League group containing France and Germany suggests there’s no letting up.

I see Belarus as a slightly more credible opponent that Azerbaijan will be for Croatia; the away side topped (an admittedly terrible) Nations League group containing Luxembourg, Moldova and San Marino without conceding, so I’m playing it safe with the -1 here.

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Netherlands -1 - 1pt @ 4/9