UEFA Nations League Matchday 1 Predictions: Best Bets & Picks (Sep 24-26)

A pause on domestic club action is set for the next three weeks, as a new-look extended international break comes into force across the final weeks of September and the opening week of October.

A brand new cycle for international teams in Europe gets underway with the UEFA Nations League, with matchday 1 being staged between September 24-26. You can find our top selections, picks, and best bets for the UEFA Nations League here.

UEFA Nations League Best Bets & Top Value Picks

• Best Pick: Austria (vs. Israel)
• Best Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Netherlands vs. Germany
• Best Value Over/Under: San Marino vs. Finland Over 2.5 Goals

ALSO SEE: Presidents Cup Picks, Odds & Betting Preview (Sep 24-27)

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Key Fixture Breakdown & Predictions

Netherlands vs. Germany Prediction & Odds

Kickoff: Thursday, September 24 | 2:45 PM ET  | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam

Match Preview

New eras get underway at the Amsterdam Arena for both the Netherlands and Germany on MD1 in the Nations League this week. Jurgen Klopp will take charge of Germany for the first time, while Xavi Hernandez is the new head coach of the Dutch.

Despite crashing out in the round of 32 at the World Cup, the Netherlands showed plenty of attacking quality, scoring at least twice in three of their four fixtures. Klopp will use the upcoming international break to have a good look at a range of players, and his impact isn’t likely to be an immediate one. Therefore, the home victory could be the standout selection when making Nations League picks this week.

• Best Bet: Netherlands (+140)

Italy vs. Belgium Prediction & Odds

Kickoff: Friday, September 25 | 2:45 PM ET  | Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Match Preview

After missing out on a spot in this summer’s World Cup, Italy have re-appointed Euro 2012-winning coach Roberto Mancini. A promising Nations League campaign will be expected ahead of the qualification campaign for the Euros in two years.

A new era also gets underway with Belgium, as Mark van Bommel takes charge of the national team following a very underwhelming summer in North America. Home advantage could be crucial this week, and it is notable that Italy have won six of their previous eight head-to-heads against Belgium.

• Best Bet: Italy (+115)

England vs. Spain Prediction & Odds

Kickoff: Saturday, September 26 | 2:45 PM ET  | Wembley Stadium, London

Match Preview

The standout matchup on MD1 in the Nations League will see recently crowned world champions Spain take on third-placed England. Immediate pressure will be on Thomas Tuchel following a disastrous exit at the hands of Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The Three Lions will also aim to avenge their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. However, the Spanish are the dominant force in international soccer, having avoided defeat in their last 16 matches over the last 12 months. Tuchel could be set to face more questions surrounding his management style.

• Best Bet: Spain (+153)

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UEFA Nations League Best Parlay Pick

Extra value can be achieved by combining selections to create a parlay selection when making Nations League picks this week. As well as the three selections mentioned above, further value could be added by including Portugal to beat Wales on home turf, and Zinedine Zidane enjoying a first win in charge of France against Turkey.

• Best Nations League Parlay Bet: France, Portugal, Spain, Italy & Netherlands All To Win (+2284)