World Cup 2022

Brazil are runaway leaders in the South American World Cup qualifying group but usually find fourth-placed Colombia tricky opponents. Last month’s goalless stalemate in Barranquilla was a third draw between these sides in four head-to-head meetings.

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.

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.

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.

Scotland have already drawn once with Austria during World Cup qualifying and we’re backing these teams to share the spoils again. Denmark are currently running away with Group F but this duo will be hoping to challenge current second Israel for the runners-up spot.

Ireland’s World Cup qualification hopes look in tatters and they have never beaten Group A leaders Serbia in six meetings. However, we still believe the men in green have been playing better than their bare results suggest and do have a big performance in them.

Netherlands will seek to avenge a 4-2 loss in Turkey at the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign and have fared much better since. Louis van Gaal is a steadying influence on this talented Dutch team, plus Virgil van Dijk’s return from injury is a major boost.

Louis Van Gaal had to settle for a share of the spoils with Norway in his first game back in the Oranje dugout and now faces another tricky assignment as Netherlands welcome Montenegro to Eindhoven. Both of these sides sit a point behind pace-setters Turkey in Group G.