Domestic football is off the menu for a couple of weeks, but do not worry, there is so much exciting action coming up!
On Thursday, the UEFA World Cup play-offs get underway with some fantastic semi-final ties.
The final games will then take place next Tuesday, where the drama levels will only increase tenfold.
But first up are the semi-finals, and here are our online betting picks for Thursday’s matches based on the latest football odds.
*All odds are subject to change
Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland: Anytime goalscorer – Troy Parrott @ 3.50
In the November international break, Parrott was the Republic of Ireland’s inspirational figure. He scored all five of his nation’s goals in the memorable victories over Portugal (2-0) and Hungary (2-3), cementing legendary status at the age of just 24. Parrott has been in splendid form with AZ Alkmaar this season too, netting 28 goals from 41 appearances across all competitions. So while the Czech Republic are very strong in front of their fans, conceding only one goal in the last five home matches, we are still backing Parrott to strike – especially with such a great price on offer.
Wales to beat Bosnia & Herzegovina @ 1.94
This is one of the harder semi-final ties to call, but we are siding with Wales, partly due to the advantage of playing at home. The last time Craig Bellamy’s side was on show in Cardiff, they won 7-1 against North Macedonia, with in-form Fulham winger Harry Wilson netting a hat-trick. Bosnia collected a credible 1-1 draw in Austria from their final qualifier, and are unbeaten in the last four games on the road. Furthermore, Wales failed to beat Bosnia in four previous attempts, but we just fancy things to change on Thursday. The Cardiff crowd’s role as the 12th man could prove vital.
Italy vs Northern Ireland: Anytime goalscorer – Pio Espositio @ 2.23
Esposito has been a key man for Italy since Gennaro Gattuso took over as manager from Luciano Spalletti back in June 2025. The young striker has scored three goals in five appearances under the current manager’s rule, including three in the previous four games. Furthermore, Esposito arrives for international duty having netted in each of Inter’s last two Serie A contests, so the form book points toward another decisive action by the Italian ace, in a match where the hosts are huge favourites. Northern Ireland won only three of their six qualifiers, hence why they arrive in Bergamo as significant underdogs.
Poland to beat Albania @ 1.68
Poland are strong favourites here, partly down to their good home record. The Poles are six unbeaten in front of their own fans, a run which includes five victories and a credible 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. Albania lost 2-0 vs England in their previous match, though have been good on the road of late with three consecutive wins over Gibraltar (0-1), Serbia (0-1) and Andorra (0-1). So expect a stern test of Poland’s World Cup credentials here, but the quality of players such as record scorer Robert Lewandowski and Inter midfielder Piotr Zielinski should help see the hosts over the line.
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