Tony Kelshaw
Home advantage looks to be the crucial factor when pondering who to back in Sunday’s Premier League clash between Leeds and Aston Villa. United have picked up seven points from a possible nine at Elland Road this season, while Villa have lost all three away matches so far.
Manchester United surrendered tamely to neighbours City twice last season but look more organised and resilient under Erik ten Hag this term. It is also worth remembering that the Red Devils had only lost once in seven previous trips to Etihad Stadium, winning five of those games.
West Ham and Wolves have both been struggling for Premier League goals this term, each scoring just three times from seven fixtures. Last season’s two head-to-head meetings finished 1-0 in favour of the team with home advantage and another tight tussle is on the cards.
Home advantage has proved decisive in north London derbies over the past few years and Arsenal are fancied to edge out Tottenham at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have secured four wins and a draw from the past five Premier League meetings at this venue.
Ukraine have already broken Scotland’s hearts once this year but we’re hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice when they clash in Poland. The Blue and Yellow won June’s World Cup play-off and can still pip Steve Clarke’s side to top spot in Nations League Group B1 with a victory here.
England have already been relegated from Nations League Group A3 but should never lack motivation against old rivals Germany. Die Mannschaft can’t qualify for the finals and have some key players out of form at club level, so we’re sticking with the Three Lions at home.
Hungary started out as rank outsiders to win Nations League Group A3 but now only have to avoid defeat at home to Italy to top the table. The Magyars were beaten by the Azzurri in Cesena but three victories and a draw elsewhere have put them in pole position for a place in the finals.
Portugal are in pole position to win Nations League Group A2, being a couple of points in front of Spain heading into this closing contest. The last four head-to-head meetings between these sides have all ended in stalemate and that would suffice for the hosts again in Braga.
Switzerland only need a point to avoid relegation from Nations League Group A2 at the expense of Czech Republic but can ensure their safety in style. The Rossocrociati have upset Portugal and Spain in their last two matches and now face opponents who have suffered three straight defeats.
Netherlands can afford to lose by two goals against Belgium in Amsterdam and still finish on top of the Nations League Group A4 table. However, Louis van Gaal will be determined to make it a 15-match unbeaten run since returning for a third stint as Holland manager.
Wales have only picked up one point in Nations League Group A4 but can still avoid relegation if beating Poland. The Dragons were distracted by a World Cup play-off at the start of their campaign but have been competitive throughout and deserve this chance to stay up.
Denmark and France both have plenty to play for in the final round of Nations League Group A1 fixtures and a close encounter is on the cards. The Danes must win and hope that Croatia slip up in Austria if they are to top the table, while Les Bleus are fighting to avoid relegation.
Croatia began their Nations League campaign with a 3-0 home loss to Austria but have since battled their way to the top of the Group A1 table. Das Team are now facing relegation after picking up just one more point and we fully expect the Blazers to exact revenge in Vienna.
Spain are fancied to cement their position at the top of Nations League Group A2 by seeing off basement dwellers Switzerland in Zaragoza. La Roja have already beaten the Rossocrociati 1-0 in Geneva during this campaign and can confirm their superiority on home turf.