International Previews: International break needn't be boring for punters

Friendlies can provide chances to win big

International friendlies can be profitable betting opportunities if you know what each side wants from the game and this week's matches look very interesting.

Lions won't be tamed in Italy

England v Italy is the game that will bring in the most viewers and although England are the away side they can certainly get something from the match.

The young Lions have been performing well in qualifying, winning every game so far, and the likelihood of Harry Kane starting will give the team a boost.

Italy are one of the toughest teams to beat in international football though, they too are unbeaten in qualifying, but they do draw a lot (2 draws from 5 in recent competitive matches) so a draw looks a good bet here.

9/4 - England to draw with Italy

Japan reliability a big plus

Japan may struggle when they reach the finals of the World Cup but they have a good record of reaching the finals which marks them down as solid performers.

They possess far more talent in their side than their opponents Uzbekistan and with home advantage too they look well capable of justifying their odds here.

4/9 - Japan to beat Uzbekistan

Ibrahimovic and Sweden can defeat poor Iran

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to score some amazing goals and Sweden could probably even afford for their star striker to have an off game and still win against Iran.

The Swedes are unbeaten in their qualification campaign so far and with home advantage against Iran it would be no surprise should Ibrahimovic and his team mates be celebrating victory on Tuesday night.

4/7 - Sweden to beat Iran

Poor travellers Ecuador to taste defeat against Argentina

The fixture list may suggest Argentina have home advantage in their match against Ecuador on Tuesday but the game is actually being played in New Jersey.

Ecuador may be happy about not having to face Argentina in their own back yard but they are still likely to struggle in this match as they have a very poor record when not playing at home.

Ecuador's home games are played at high altitude giving them a big advantage, this is how they managed to qualify for the World Cup last year despite not winning an away qualifier.

The World Cup runners up should be a good bet to bet them.

1/2 - Argentina to beat Ecuador

A goal is enough for Ukraine

One of the bankers that is actually playing at home is Ukraine against Latvia.

The away side have been in very poor form recently, they are without a win in 5 qualifying matches and they've scored an abysmal 2 goals in those 5 matches.

Ukraine are a solid team, especially at home, who have won 3 of their 5 qualifiers.

They've got one of the best defensive records in Europe, only 3 teams have conceded fewer goals in qualifying, meaning Ukraine should only need to score to win here.

4/9 - Ukraine to beat Latvia

A £10 acca on England to draw and Japan, Sweden, Argentina and Ukraine all to win pays approx £159.68.

Don't forget, we'll refund you with a Free Bet up to £25 if one selection lets you down on any five-fold or higher football accumulator. For full terms click here.

All odds and amounts displayed in this article are correct at the time of publication. See website for latest.