Nations League soccer continues to treat us well, as all three of my UEFA plays came through as part of a 4-1 day. On UEFA Nations League plays specifically, I’m now 21-5, which is the main reason why I’m up 37.47 units over the past seven days. We’ve still got a week of these international matches ahead of us, so hopefully we’ve got some good opportunities available before we get back to baseball.
We’ve got a few good soccer plays, plus one dip into baseball action. Here are my best plays for June 8.
NETHERLANDS AND OVER 1.5 GOALS, -125
The Netherlands have never failed to beat Wales in eight meetings between the sides. The Dutch have also scored at least two goals in seven consecutive meetings against the Welsh, and the Dragons might have been partying a little too hard over the past two days after clinching their first World Cup appearance in 64 years. We just saw the Dutch drop four on Belgium on the road, and the Oranje can absolutely punish Wales the same way. I’d like a bit of insurance against losing to 2-0, but I don’t see the Dutch having any issues here.
SCOTLAND WIN TO NIL, -115
Yes, Armenia is coming off a win over Ireland, a match I predicted would have very few goals in cashing Under 2.5. But there’s a massive difference between playing in 96 degree-heat in Yerevan vs. 55 and rainy in Glasgow. Plus, Armenia is a terrible away side, having gone 0-4-2 in its past six competitive road matches (drawing with North Macedonia and Iceland) and getting outscored 20-2 (and that doesn’t even count a 9-0 loss at Norway in a friendly) in that stretch. Look for Scotland to bounce back from falling to Ukraine with a solid showing here.
IRELAND-UKRAINE UNDER 2.5 GOALS, -190
There is an excellent cure for insomnia in Dublin: Head to Aviva Stadium and watch the Boys in Green play a competitive match against a UEFA side. Twenty-four of Ireland’s past 25 competitive matches in Dublin have finished with two goals or fewer, with the lone exception coming when Denmark dropped five on the Irish to deny them a place at the 2018 World Cup. With Ukraine likely in no mood to play after seeing their World Cup hopes dashed, expect another dull game in Dublin.
UGANDA-NIGER BTTS, +128
Defense has been optional for Uganda in 2022, as the Cranes have conceded in all seven matches they’ve played this calendar year. Niger has had a tendency to both leave it late and get penalties on the road (they’ve converted a penalty in two of their past four matches on foreign soil), and the Gazelles have scored in seven of their past eight matches and five straight, so there’s a good chance they can find a marker here as well. There’s little worry about Uganda finding the net; Niger have conceded in 11 straight matches.
MARLINS/GIANTS PARLAY, +110
This is simply a matter of backing good opportunities, as the Marlins are hosting the Nationals and the Giants get to play the Rockies at home. Miami pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been a reliable option when he’s taken the mound, and Colorado is just 7-15 away from Coors Field this season. Throwing these two teams together makes a lot of sense for slight plus money.
