Morocco have enjoyed an amazing run through to the World Cup semi-finals and we reckon they will give holders France a tough test in Qatar. Roared on by a passionate support, the Atlas Lions have upset the odds time and time again to become the first African team to get this far.
Rob Edwards will take charge of Luton at Kenilworth Road for the first time with a rare morning kick-off against Millwall on Sunday. His first match in charge ended in a last-gasp defeat at Middlesbrough while Millwall have failed to win either of their two games since the World Cup break.
Two teams in fine form clash when Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray welcomes his former club West Brom to the north east. The Black Cats have already returned to Championship action, beating Millwall last weekend to bookend the World Cup break with victories.
Argentina and Croatia both prevailed on penalties in the World Cup quarter-finals and another close encounter is on the cards in the semis. However, we’re hoping La Albiceleste can find a way to break down the 2018 runners-up and send their army of fans into raptures once more.
It’s derby day in Lancashire when Blackburn and Preston meet at Ewood Park as the Championship returns. Both sides will be raring to go having signed off before the World Cup with a defeat, while Preston will want to erase memories of a 4-1 hammering the last time they met in April.
England and France were both ultra-impressive in reaching the World Cup quarter-finals and now meet in a mouth-watering match-up. Each side has really caught the eye going forward, but we just feel Les Bleus have looked a touch more vulnerable at the back.
Burnley have been sitting pretty at the top of the table while the Championship has been on hold for the World Cup but that might not be the case when they return to action at managerless QPR on Sunday. Sheffield United could hit the summit with a win over Huddersfield 24 hours before the teams line up at Loftus Road.
Portugal did an absolute demolition job on Switzerland and are now fancied to end Morocco’s fairytale run at Qatar 2022 if maintaining that momentum. The Atlas Lions showed great resilience to stifle Spain, but their next opponents have more of a cutting edge up front.
Netherlands and Argentina are both incredibly-well organised teams and their quarter-final clash could develop into a tactical battle. These nations have met five times before in World Cup tournaments and it is usually tight when they do get together.
Brazil put on an exhibition when brushing aside South Korea and it is hard to see Croatia living with them if they are in a similar mood. The 2018 runners-up were taken all the way to penalties by Japan and the signs are that star man Luka Modric is feeling his age at 37.
Portugal and Switzerland are familiar foes heading into their World Cup clash, having met three times in the Nations League in recent years. The Navigators claimed convincing victories in the first two of those encounters, while the Swiss shaded the most recent match in June.
There will be a wild atmosphere at Education City Stadium when Morocco take on Spain for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. The Atlas Lions have been backed by incredible support in Qatar and will give it their all, but La Roja may just have too much class.
The World Cup last-16 tie between Japan and Croatia promises to be a clash of styles at Al Janoub Stadium. Energy and enthusiasm are the key assets of the Samurai Blue, while their opponents are more composed and have the experience of being runners-up four years ago.
Brazil blotted their copybook when beaten by Cameroon on Friday but the key players will be back to face South Korea at the last-16 stage. The Selecao had previously impressed with two professional wins against decent opposition in Serbia and Switzerland and look too strong here.