Greece are well placed in Group H of World Cup qualifying, currently second to group leaders and favourites Belgium. In reality, the Red Devils always seemed likely qualifiers from the group and the Greeks are four points behind Roberto Martinez’s team.
On Thursday night, Greece could aid their chances of securing a possible play-off place when they host Estonia at Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki.
The home side are unbeaten in qualifying this time around, but draws in their last three games have hampered their chances of competing with Belgium for top spot. Last time in qualifying Greece managed a goalless draw in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In truth, it was not a terrible result considering that Bosnia-Herzegovina are their nearest rivals for that second spot. Greece have a very strong record in qualifying, as they are unbeaten in their last 12 outings while suffering just one defeat in their last 23 qualifiers.
The home side are also unbeaten in 12 games on home soil in World Cup qualifiers, recording nine wins in the process. Greece have only played Estonia on three occasions in competitive football and are unbeaten, recording two wins and a draw.
As expected, Estonia have struggled to make an impact in this group and are currently fifth place on just four points. Last time out Estonia suffered a 2-0 home defeat by Belgium.
The visitors have won just one of their last ten World Cup qualifiers and have lost four of their last six outings in qualifying. Estonia have also lost ten of their last 13 qualifiers on their travels, including five of their last six outings. They did end a run of five consecutive away defeats in qualifying by drawing 0-0 in Cyprus last time out on the road.
Forebet predicts that Greece will enhance their chances of finishing second in the group by recording a win in this clash and end their run of draws in Group H.