Canada’s World Cup qualifier against Panama has taken on extra significance following the latest set of results. The Canal Men moved up to third in the CONCACAF table after they upset USA 1-0 and the Canucks slipped to fourth due to only drawing 0-0 in Jamaica.
England again showed their ruthless streak in Andorra and are backed to also put Hungary to the sword at Wembley. The Three Lions hammered the Magyars 4-0 in Budapest last month in World Cup Group I and enter the rematch in much better spirits than their opponents.
Wales have given themselves every chance of finishing second in their World Cup pool and can enhance their prospects by beating Estonia. The Dragons adopted a very positive approach to Friday’s 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic, when proving they can play without Gareth Bale.
Scotland are on course to qualify for the World Cup play-offs and will be determined to avoid any slip-ups when visiting Faroe Islands. Saturday’s dramatic defeat of Israel at Hampden Park put Steve Clarke’s side clear second in Group F behind runaway leaders Denmark.
Northern Ireland need a bit of a miracle to advance from World Cup Group C but are value to keep their slim hopes alive with a win in Bulgaria. Ian Baraclough’s side were held to a goalless draw when these teams met in Belfast back in March but were much the better team.
Argentina and Uruguay both have an array of attacking weapons but these great footballing nations do tend to cancel each other out when going head-to-head. La Albiceleste have won three of their last four competitive meetings 1-0, with the other contest ending goalless.
Canada are on course to qualify for the World Cup for just the second time and can further enhance their prospects by beating Jamaica in Kingston. The Canucks have not made it to the finals since a sole appearance in 1986 but have made a solid start to their current campaign.
England should have little trouble moving closer to qualifying for next year’s World Cup when visiting Andorra. The Three Lions have won all five previous meetings with the Group I minnows by an aggregate score of 20-0, although the away games have only been 2-0 and 3-0.
Wales face a tough test in Friday’s crucial World Cup clash versus Czech Republic without talismanic front man Gareth Bale. Both teams are level on seven points in the race to qualify from Group E alongside Belgium but the Dragons are tipped to fall behind here.
Ireland have a mountain to climb if they are to stand any chance of securing World Cup Qualification. Qatar is looking a very slim prospect for them ahead of their trip to Azerbaijan and anything short of three points will leave them playing for only pride in Group A.
Few national teams are as familiar with each other as Scotland and Israel, who will be meeting for the seventh time in three years. All of the other six games have been incredibly competitive, with three draws in normal time and the same number of one-goal victories.
Switzerland should cement their position as favourites to advance from World Cup Group C alongside Italy when hosting Northern Ireland. The Rossocrociati are three points above their opponents and ranked 33 places higher in the FIFA ratings ahead of this Geneva clash.
Canada are very much a team on an upward curve but taking on Mexico at altitude at Estadio Azteca is always a daunting proposition. With El Tri having won the last five head-to-head meetings, they are hard to oppose once more in this week’s World Cup qualifier.
England have gone 17 games against Poland without defeat since a 1973 loss in World Cup qualifying, winning 11 of those subsequent meetings. However, matches between these teams are traditionally competitive, including March’s 2-1 Wembley victory for the Three Lions.