Nigeria and Egypt should prove a class apart from Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in their AFCON pool so a draw may satisfy both sides when they meet. However, bookmakers have cut the odds of a stalemate, so we’re looking elsewhere for value in this Group D opener.
Morocco and Ghana are both expected to qualify from Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations and may settle for a share of the spoils first up. Gabon could gatecrash the top two spots but Comoros look out of their depth, so a draw would be a solid result for each of these sides.
Senegal begin the Africa Cup of Nations as favourites in the outright betting and it would be a big surprise if they have any trouble getting out of Group B. The Lions of Teranga have never won the tournament but are well fancied for success in Cameroon and can ease their way into the knockout stage.
Cameroon are the Africa Cup of Nations hosts so will be determined to get off to a confident start in front of their own fans in the tournament opener. The Indomitable Lions are one of the leading fancies at 9.50 to win the tournament for the sixth time, having triumphed most recently in 2017.
Cape Verde are clear third favourites to qualify from Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations and know an opening win over rank outsiders Ethiopia is vital. The onus is on the Blue Sharks to make a fast start before facing tougher tests ahead and we think they can handle that pressure.
Holders Algeria are rated a solid selection to retain their trophy at 7.0 in our outright Africa Cup of Nations predictions. Captain Riyad Mahrez is enjoying a stand-out season with Manchester City, scoring in each of his last five appearances to make it 13 goals this term.
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on January 9 in Cameroon, with the final almost a month later on February 6. With African players fulfilling key roles at many top European clubs, whose domestic seasons will continue during the tournament, some absences will be keenly felt.
Argentina are looking to make it three consecutive victories over arch-rivals Brazil in Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier. La Albiceleste won 1-0 in both a November 2019 Superclasico de las Americas clash in Saudi Arabia and this summer’s Copa America final in Rio.
Canada have been on an upward curve for some time now and can give their World Cup hopes another boost by holding Mexico on home turf. The Cannucks ended a five-match losing run in head-to-head encounters with El Tri when drawing 1-1 at Aztec Stadium last month.
England still need to get something from their trip to San Marino to make sure of top spot in World Cup Group I but that shouldn’t be difficult. These teams have met five times in the last decade, with the Three Lions prevailing in all of those games by an aggregate score of 29-0.
Scotland have already wrapped up second spot in World Cup Group F ahead of facing runaway leaders Denmark but will be keen to finish on a high. Steve Clarke’s side have rattled off five straight wins in this pool since September’s 2-0 loss to the Danes in Copenhagen.
Northern Ireland face a daunting task when taking on an Italy side looking to claim top spot in World Cup Group C. The Azzurri are only ahead of Switzerland on goal difference and the Rossocrociati will be eyeing a convincing victory at home to Bulgaria.
Losing at home to Luxembourg was the low point of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign and they will be keen to claim revenge. The Republic have produced some far more encouraging results recently and are taken to put the record straight in this Group A finale.
Wales are already assured of a place in the World Cup play-offs due to their Nations League exploits but are still chasing second place in Group E. The Dragons could secure a home semi-final if runners-up to Belgium and will boost those hopes with a convincing victory.