Tony Kelshaw 
Algeria will be keen to maintain their early momentum at the Africa Cup of Nations when taking on Group C basement dwellers Tanzania. The Desert Foxes are sitting pretty at the top of the table following wins over Kenya and Senegal and can now make a statement of intent against the Taifa Stars.
Senegal only need a draw against Kenya to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout rounds but should be good enough to claim victory in Cairo. Both teams have registered a win and a stalemate so far in Group C, but the Lions of Teranga are rated 83 places higher in the FIFA rankings.
Uruguay’s big guns have been firing at the Copa America and that makes them worthy favourites to see off a less-talented Peru outfit in the quarter-finals. Los Incas had their limitations cruelly exposed when thrashed 5-0 by Brazil in the last round of group-stage fixtures and will find it tough to recover.
Spain lost out to Germany in the 2017 European Under-21 Championship final but are fancied to gain revenge in this year’s decider at Friuli. La Rojita powered past France 4-1 in the semis, whereas it felt like Germany made hard work of seeing off an overachieving Romania side 4-2.
Madagascar have exceeded all expectations at the Africa Cup of Nations, but could get a reality check when facing Group B table toppers Nigeria in Alexandria. The Super Eagles have already posted two straight victories in this pool and are rated a vastly superior side, being 63 spots further up the FIFA rankings.
Pakistan are still very much in the hunt for a place in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and can enhance their prospects by brushing aside Afghanistan in Leeds. The Falcons are coming off wins over South Africa and New Zealand and now face opponents who have suffered seven straight defeats.
Colombia lost to Chile in the 2016 Copa America semi-finals but appear to be playing well enough to gain revenge at the last-eight stage this time around. Bringing in Carlos Queiroz as manager has helped Los Cafeteros raise their game to a new level and his presence should be a boost in the knockout rounds.
Egypt have looked rock-solid as Africa Cup of Nations hosts by starting out with two straight victories and are hard to oppose against Uganda in Cairo. The Cranes are also on course to progress from Group A after beating DR Congo and drawing with Zimbabwe, but this is a big step up in class.
Cameroon upset Ghana in the semi-finals en route to 2017 Africa Cup of Nations glory and can again come out on top in this year’s Group F meeting. The Indomitable Lions will be full of confidence after beating Guinea-Bissau, whereas the Black Stars are under a bit of pressure following a draw with Benin.
Brazil will go into their Copa America quarter-final against Paraguay with a score to settle after losing out to the same opponents at this stage in 2011 and 2015. However, the Selecao have looked rock-solid on home turf this year, keeping three straight clean sheets during the group stage.
Sri Lanka still have an outside chance of making the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and that makes them a value bet to beat already-eliminated South Africa. The Proteas have been bitterly disappointing during this tournament and travelling up to Durham at this stage will be a stiff test of their resolve.
Venezuela have a good recent record against Argentina and we feel their Copa America quarter-final clash could go all the way to the wire. Since losing to La Albiceleste at this stage three years ago, La Vinotinto have secured two World Cup draws and won a March friendly 3-1 in Madrid.
India appear to be marching imperiously towards the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and are hot favourites to end any hopes of a West Indies rally at Old Trafford. However, it has been interesting to note how the Men in Blue like to build steadily when batting, rather than going gung-ho from the outset.
Spain recovered well from an opening loss to hosts Italy in their European Under-21 Championship pool and have impressed more than France at this tournament. Les Espoirs were rated a touch fortunate to beat England before scraping past Croatia and drawing against Romania, so they have plenty to prove here.