Lucky Fish Weekend Soccer Picks

Two of the biggest Nations League fixtures of the weekend take centre stage as Croatia host England and Portugal take on Norway. England will be looking to overcome a resilient Croatian side that has consistently proven difficult to beat on the international stage, while Portugal face a Norway team packed with attacking talent and capable of causing problems for any opposition. With crucial points on the line and no shortage of quality across all four squads, these matches promise plenty of drama and could have a major impact on the Nations League standings.

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Best Bet

Croatia vs England

Odds: 31/10 Croatia | Draw 26/10 | England 8/10

Date: Saturday, 03 October 2026

Kick-off: 18:00

Prediction: England & Over 1.5 at 1/1

Croatia and England meet with little room for error. Both have three points from their opening two Nations League matches, while Spain have already established an early lead at the top of the group. With the race still wide open, this is the kind of fixture that can shape what comes next.

England arrive with momentum after recovering from their 3-2 defeat to Spain with a 2-0 win over Czechia. Croatia followed a similar path in reverse, beating Czechia before being pulled apart in a 4-1 defeat against Spain. Neither side has been flawless, making Saturday's clash particularly intriguing.

England will again look towards Harry Kane for the cutting edge. The captain has scored in both Nations League games and remains the focal point of an attack that also boasts Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon. If England can get those players running at Croatia's defence, they have the tools to cause plenty of damage.

Croatia's answer lies in the midfield. Luka Modrić remains the conductor, while Mateo Kovačić can provide the drive needed to break England's pressure. Joško Gvardiol will also have a major role to play against Kane and England's movement around him.

England's squad, however, has been weakened by injuries. Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento are among those unavailable. Rice's absence could be particularly significant if Croatia succeed in taking control of the middle of the pitch.

The game could therefore become a battle between Croatia's ability to dictate possession and England's threat when the tempo increases. Croatia will want England pinned back; England will be happier if the match becomes stretched.

Expect a competitive opening and long spells where Croatia control the ball, but England should carry the greater threat in transition. Kane's movement, combined with Bellingham's attacking instincts and England's pace out wide, could eventually make the difference.

Value Bet

Portugal vs Norway

Odds: 13/20 Portugal | Draw 29/10 | Norway 38/10

Date: Sunday, 04 October 2026

Kick-off: 20:45

Prediction: Portugal & Over 3.5 at 43/20

Portugal welcomes Norway on Sunday, 4 October, as both sides look to strengthen their position in the UEFA Nations League. Portugal claimed a 2-1 win in Oslo last weekend, giving Norway a chance to respond and level the recent head-to-head battle.

Three points could prove important in the race for control of the group. Portugal have the psychological edge after their away win, while Norway need a result to keep the pressure on. With both teams capable of scoring freely, another competitive contest is expected.

Portugal's preparations have been overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the national-team camp before the Denmark match. Ronaldo was an unused substitute against Norway in the previous meeting and subsequently left the squad. Portugal still have plenty of attacking quality, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Rafael Leão and Gonçalo Ramos among the options available. Norway's main threat remains Erling Haaland, while Martin Ødegaard provides creativity from midfield.

Portugal have won their last three Nations League matches, beating Denmark 4-2 before edging Norway 2-1 and lastly demolishing Denmark 4-2. Norway had previously beaten Denmark 3-2 but then suffered a 2-1 defeat against Portugal and followed it with a 2-1 loss to Wales.

Portugal's home advantage and recent result give them confidence, but Norway have enough attacking firepower to make this uncomfortable. Expect an open game with chances at both ends.

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