A new era will be a phrase used in a variety of languages this week as international teams return to action for the first time since the World Cup.

Many teams have axed coaches and players, bringing in fresh blood, and with all the changes that have occurred we feel this is a good week to get with some of the betting underdogs.

Clearly some teams will gel quickly, others won't. No-one really knows how things will go, but that includes the layers.

We'll start with France, for in terms of wielding the axe they are the Vikings of the day.

The French have changed their entire squad after the World Cup representatives disgraced themselves in South Africa, crashing out in the group stages and refusing to train at one point.

New boss Laurent Blanc truly has swept clean - albeit some of the World Cup 23 will surely return after the one-match ban which has been imposed on them - but the new faces should not be discounted ahead of their trip to Norway.

Hatem Ben Arfa, Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema, Lassana Diarra and Philippe Mexes are all fine players who have much Champions League experience, while Loic Remy is not being linked to the Premier League for nothing.

OK, there are 13 uncapped players in total in the squad, but the majority of those look unlikely to be playing.

The level of opposition is also key to our thinking when it comes to this match.

Norway picked up a paltry 10 points from their eight World Cup qualifiers in a group which contained Scotland, Iceland and FYROM. They scored just nine goals in the process.

While clearly a new era is needed in Norway, unfortunately they do not have the quality of players coming through like France do and the Riise brothers, along with veteran John Carew, remain at the heart of their set-up.

France are rated the outsiders in this one and while we understand the bookies' pricing, we can't help but think there's some value to be had in backing the visitors.

Blanc was lauded for his efforts at Bordeaux, winning the title there two seasons ago, and as a Les Bleus World Cup winner, he's sure to be respected.

And the players he's picked will surely be keen to make the most of what will perhaps be their one and only chance to impress.

With the lack of time to gel clearly a concern, it's to the draw no bet market we'll turn where France can be backed at odds-against. Bet365.com is offering France to win "draw no bet" at 2.00, they are also showing the game live, for free!

Moving on, we're struggling to see why Ghana are available at 2.90 for their friendly in South Africa.

Ghana impressed in the summer as they were a penalty kick away from becoming the first African team ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

In the end Asamoah Gyan's injury-time chance to beat Uruguay went begging but the west Africans were clearly the best team from the continent on show - indeed they were the only ones to progress from the group phase.

In contrast, South Africa simply lived up to the low expectations people had of the hosts.

Yet the Milovan Rajevac's Ghanians can be backed at 2.90 Bet365.com in Johannesburg, with the hosts 6/4 shots.

Given the prices you'd expect a much-changed Ghana squad yet many of their star World Cup performers will play - Gyan, Kevin Prince Boateng, Anthony Annan and Andre Ayew all travel.

South Africa, meanwhile, also keep the faith, although it appears it may have due to necessity rather than any other factor.

They are among the teams to have changed manager since the World Cup and when announcing his first squad, Pitso Mosimane said: "Since my appointment, there has not been enough time for changes."

That's hardly a ringing endorsement of the players who failing to impress a couple of months ago.

Our advice is get with Ghana.

Next up we turn to Mexico, who have the honour of being the first team to face the newly-crowned world champions Spain.

Mexico showed they are no mugs in South Africa and deserve consideration, despite the fact that the Spanish have lost just two matches in more than two years.

Much was written about altitude prior to the World Cup and it seemed to have little effect on results but the Highveld of South Africa is somewhat different to the altitude of Mexico City.

This week Spain will be playing nearly 2,300m above sea level - considerably higher than in South Africa. There's also jetlag to consider.

Spain take a strong squad (although Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres are omitted) but the fact is it's just one month (exactly) since their World Cup final win and many players have been recalled from their holidays for this game.

A tiring match at altitude after a long flight can hardly be what they want right now, and it's interesting to see that Italy suffered a major World Cup hangover following their victory four years ago.

We'll head to the double chance to oppose Spain - you can get both Mexico and the draw on your side for 1.66 at Bet365.com. 

PICKS:

• Norway v France: France to win Draw No Bet at 2.00 at Bet365
• South Africa v Ghana: Ghana to win at 2.90 at Bet365
• Mexico v Spain: Mexico/Draw double chance 1.66 at Bet365