Football Multi Bet: $10.53 Tip for Friday

I’ve gone over the FIFA World Cup Qualifying playoff semi-finals for this Friday’s football multi bet, and there’s value on offer for those who know how to find it. I’m seeing two home sides that should get the job done, plus an upset that gets this multi up over a 10x return.

Friday March 27, 8:45am NZT, Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo

Italy have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups - both times losing in the playoffs - so the pressure on Gennaro Gattuso’s side is immense. But that should work in their favour here. They won six consecutive qualifiers before a 4-1 loss to Norway in Milan forced them into this position.

Northern Ireland haven’t beaten Italy since 1958, with six losses and two draws since then. Dan Ballard has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, and they’ve lost four of their last five away matches.

Mateo Retegui and Francesco Pio Esposito are both in strong form. Esposito has scored in three of his last four World Cup qualifiers. My football betting tips on this one keep pointing to Italy. At $1.30, they’re short, but they anchor this multi nicely.

Friday March 27, 8:45am NZT, PGE Narodowy, Warsaw

Poland finished second behind the Netherlands, collecting 17 points from eight qualifiers. Albania were competitive at Euro 2024, but their goalscoring record is a worry - just seven goals in eight matches.

Poland scored 14 in the same span. Robert Lewandowski, Piotr Zielinski and Nicola Zalewski give them quality across the pitch that Albania can’t match, and the atmosphere in Warsaw for a World Cup playoff will be intense to say the least.

I’ve checked betting sites in NZ and Poland to win sits at $1.80. It’s the pick I’m most settled on in this multi.

Friday March 27, 8:45am NZT, Fortuna Arena, Prague

This is risky, but it’s where we get our value too. Ireland were winless in their first three qualifiers, then Troy Parrott dragged them back to life. His hat-trick against Hungary - including a 96th-minute winner in Budapest - shifted something in this squad. They’ve had three straight wins since, with six goals scored.

Czechia are unbeaten in 17 home qualifiers, which is hard to ignore. But they sacked their coach after a defeat to the Faroe Islands, and Miroslav Koubek is still finding his feet. Patrik Schick is back from injury but hasn’t had much international rhythm recently.

Festy Ebosele and Liam Scales are suspended for Ireland, which is a blow. But a squad riding this kind of momentum, with a home final in Dublin waiting if they get through? I’m backing the upset at $4.50 on betting apps to give this accumulator its 10x return.