The Saint Greg Browning’s Tips: Don’t look a gift Norse in the mouth

TOUGH set of international games today, have had a good look though the card and there are two matches I like the look of.

Norway v Cyprus (7.45pm)

Things certainly appear to be on the up for Norway – they finished 6 points off the pace in their World Cup qualifying games but since then they have won all 4 matches, 3 of which were against sides who qualified for the World Cup (Austrailia, Iceland, Panama). They have won 7 of their last 10 matches and their is an air of optimism that they will be much more competitive in the Nations League and Euro qualifiers when they start.

The same cant be said for this Cyrpus side who have just a solitary draw to show for the efforts in their last 7 games. And when you look deeper, they have managed just 4 wins in their last 19 matches – two of which were against minnows Gibraltar. They have always struggled on their travels and have lost 9 of their last 10.

This is a tough match for Cyprus and given Norway's recent resurgence, it's really a case of how comfortable Norway's win will be. Norway on the handicap looks appealing at 6-5 but happy to take Norway and over 1.5 goals at a slightly lower price .

• Norway and over 1.5 match goals
• (4-5, Ladbrokes)

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Austria v Sweden (7.45pm)

I’ve been really impressed with Austria over the last 12 months – they had a poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign and that was the reason they missed out on Russia. They have completely turned things around winning 7 of their last 9. I've backed them a few times and they haven't let me down. It's not just their good form, its the quality of the opposition they have beaten which really stands out.

Uruguay, Slovenia, Russia and Germany have all been put to the sword by the Austrians and I’m taking them to defeat another team who were at the World Cup. Sweden's success is down to their defensive strength but with Austria being at home and in great shape, I fancy them to edge this.

• Austria to win
• (6-5 (Sporting Bet)

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