The Insider: Betting news you can back this weekend
An Arsenal supporter and occasional match-goer, Liam has been involved in football journalism for a number of years and joined the Spotlight Sports Group in 2018. He is studying for a degree in German and Spanish, can speak French too and is particularly interested in the Bundesliga and La Liga.
Having the most detailed and up to date information is key when deciding who to back, but with so many fixtures being played over the weekend and some unfamiliar national teams in action some important details are bound to go unnoticed to some.
We’ve been digging deep into the news to help you make more informed decisions, with key updates from the World Cup qualifiers and Saturday’s EFL action to help your betting this weekend.
Remember, you can find all our football tips for the weekend on site as well. Still not satisfied? You can get an exclusive acca from FST every single day if you sign up to BetBull below and follow @FootySuperTips, as well as receiving up to £100 in free bets. At the time of writing we’re currently on a five-day winning streak!
Norway depleted for Turkey tussle
Norway were unsurprisingly dominant in their opening World Cup 2022 qualifier, winning 3-0 against Gibraltar after racking up 29 shot and amassing 84 per cent possession, but it was not all good news for the visitors.
Arsenal star loanee Martin Odegaard, who has been in terrific form, picked up an ankle injury in the game in Gibraltar and is now a major doubt for this weekend’s clash with Turkey in Andalusia.
That severely hinders Norway’s threat in the final third and they have also been hit with the likely absence of Sheffield United midfield anchor Sander Berge.
Aside from defender Merih Demiral being injured, opponents Turkey meanwhile have no new injuries with which they must contend.
Read our full Norway vs Turkey predictions here.
Returning rested stars can help Serbia against Portugal
Serbia impressed to beat Stephen Kenny’s Ireland 3-2 in their opening World Cup qualifying encounter and they ran out victors with two key players rested on that occasion.
Influential Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic did not feature in the game with Ireland and Eintracht Frankfurt winger Filip Kostic started on the bench but both players are expected to make the first 11 for this weekend’s clash with Portugal.
That should boost Serbia’s chances of a win in Belgrade as should the news that Portugal are missing defenders Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro, who are both injured.
Read our full Serbia vs Portugal predictions here.
Gary Bowyer arrival can enhance Salford’s chances against Exeter
Following the dismissal of Richie Wellens, who had only been at the club for four months, Salford City have made a move for former Blackpool, Blackburn and Bradford boss Gary Bowyer.
And Bowyer is set to take charge of his first game for Salford this weekend when they lock horns with Exeter City in League Two.
It can always be hit or miss as to whether or not a manager will make an immediate impact but given his experience of the EFL coupled with his desire to get Salford into the playoffs, Bowyer’s arrival could give the Ammies a decent shot at victory over Exeter.
Portsmouth given double boost ahead of Shrewsbury Town contest
Danny Cowley made the ideal start to life as Portsmouth manager last week, leading his side to a 2-1 home win over Ipswich Town, and there is more good news for the former Lincoln boss going into this weekend’s match with Shrewsbury.
Right-back Callum Johnson, who can also play in midfield, looks set to return from a calf problem sustained against Oxford last month and is in line to feature this weekend.
And winger Michael Jacobs also looks as though he could return for Pompey on Saturday, having trained without any issues this week and featuring in the second half of the Ipswich win last week after recovering from a hamstring issue.
The game with Shrewsbury could, however, come too soon for key forward John Marquis, who is still nursing an ankle injury he picked up in Portsmouth’s game with Salford at Wembley.
Read our full Shrewsbury vs Portsmouth predictions here.
More betting news:
Experts’ Best Bets for Saturday with 18/1 acca