The build-up to this years World Cup in Russia commences tonight with the start of International Friendlies that take place between Friday and Tuesday next week. England will face the Netherlands, who failed to qualify tonight in Amsterdam and on Tuesday night they face Italy at Wembley, who also failed to qualify. There’s also a host of other big-name clashes tonight; World Cup hosts Russia face one of the tournament favourites Brazil, in Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium, where the World Cup final will also be played on 15th July. Argentina face Italy at the neutral Etihad Stadium, the home of Premier League leaders Manchester City, and it’s a great opportunity for the football fans of the city to witness some quality International football and of course hopefully get a close-up of Messi the world’s best footballer.

The International friendly of the night is between World Cup powerhouses Germany, who are joint favourites for the World Cup with Brazil, and third favourites Spain at the Espirit Arena, the home of Bundesliga 2. Outfit FC Dusseldorf. World Cup second favourites France face South American competition in Columbia. From a betting perspective I don’t like anything for the England match, but Argentina look like good value to beat Italy at the Etihad and backing the Match Double result Argentina and Over 2.5 Goals should go close to returning a profit. Germany’s matches usually produce goals and with seven of their last ten internationals on home soil producing over 2.5 goals, there will hopefully be a repeat of that against Spain tonight.

There’s also a full set of domestic EFL League One and Two fixtures on Saturday and with automatic promotion still up for grabs and the relegation battle heating up in both leagues there sure to be plenty of exciting action. From a betting perspective Gillingham look like good value away to Bradford in League One, as Bradford have the second worse league home form. Plymouth look like good value to continue their eight-match unbeaten run away at Charlton and you can opt for the win with confidence as they won seven of their last eight matches overall. Seventh place Peterborough are only a point off the promotion places and they have a winnable home encounter against Bristol Rovers tomorrow. Peterborough have the fifth best home form in the league while Rovers have only won five of their nineteen league away games this season, which is a good enough reason to oppose them today.