Brazil have secured four straight friendly victories since the World Cup and are fancied to extend that winning sequence when taking on Uruguay at Emirates Stadium. La Albiceleste seem less determined to do well in such matches, having lost 2-1 in South Korea and 4-3 in Japan last month.
Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have both been struggling to sparkle of late and we’re expecting a tense tussle when they meet in Dublin on Thursday. Each team is facing relegation in the newly-formed Nations League and scoring goals has been a real problem for these Emerald Isle rivals.
Scotland were booed off by their own fans following Thursday’s 2-1 loss in Israel and face another tough test when hosting Portugal in Sunday’s international friendly. The visitors are missing Cristiano Ronaldo but continued a good run of form when prevailing 3-2 in Poland without their talisman.
Wales face a daunting task when taking on Spain and it is hard to see the hosts getting anything out of Thursday night’s international friendly in Cardiff. Luis Enrique has made a flying start to his reign as La Roja boss, beating England and Croatia in the Nations League.
Martin O’Neill will take a depleted Republic of Ireland squad to Poland for Tuesday’s international friendly and we fear more misery for the men in green. Robert Lewandowski is poised to celebrate his 100th international cap for the hosts, who will be keen to make the occasion even more memorable with a win.
Michael O’Neill called Northern Ireland’s Nations League defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina “a sore one” and Israel may feel the backlash at Windsor Park. The hosts are 66 places above their opponents in the FIFA rankings and are traditionally strong when playing in front of their own fans.
Austria have claimed a couple of notable scalps in World Cup warm-up matches but may meet their match when facing Brazil in Vienna. The Selecao have never tasted defeat in nine head-to-head meetings, securing wins in six of those past encounters.
South Korea and Senegal have both struggled in World Cup warm-up matches but the timing of this clash may give the Asian outfit an edge. The Lions of Teranga lost 2-1 to Croatia only on Friday and their strength in depth will be stretched with such a quick turn-around.
Belgium complete their World Cup preparations by taking on Costa Rica in Brussels and are fancied to enjoy a smooth success. The Red Devils impressed when beating Egypt 3-0 on Wednesday, whereas Los Ticos may need more time to adapt to European conditions judged on Thursday’s 2-0 loss to England.
France will be seeking a third quick win in World Cup warm-up matches when hosting the USA in Lyon and should be up to achieving that feat. Les Bleus have already seen off the Republic of Ireland 2-0 and Italy 3-1 in the last couple of weeks.
Spain will be keen to make a statement of intent when facing Tunisia in Krasnodar, six days before taking on Portugal in their World Cup opener. La Roja are among the favourites to claim outright glory at Russia 2018, following a couple of disappointing efforts at the last two major tournaments.
Denmark and Mexico have found goals hard to come by in World Cup warm-up matches and a tight tussle is expected when they meet in Brondby. Both teams have netted just once in their last three international friendlies as preparations continue for Russia 2018.
Peru have put together a strong set of results in World Cup warm-up matches and may be good value to get the better of Sweden in Gothenburg. Los Incas have rattled off four straight wins in international friendlies this year, scoring 10 times and conceding only once.
Switzerland have only lost once in 12 games since the start of last year and are worthy favourites to edge out Japan on home turf in Friday’s World Cup warm-up match. The Samurai Blue have been far from impressive in recent friendlies, including last week’s 2-0 loss to Ghana in Yokohama.