Spain recovered well from an opening loss to hosts Italy in their European Under-21 Championship pool and have impressed more than France at this tournament. Les Espoirs were rated a touch fortunate to beat England before scraping past Croatia and drawing against Romania, so they have plenty to prove here.
Romania have been a breath of fresh air at the European Under-21 Championship but we fear their fairytale run will come to an end against Germany in the semi-finals. The holders romped to an 8-0 triumph when these nations last met in qualifying for the 2015 renewal and again have a powerful current squad.
Morocco were a touch fortunate to scrape past Namibia in their Africa Cup of Nations opener but are worth sticking with when they take on Ivory Coast. The Atlas Lions beat Les Elephants 2-0 when they last met in a World Cup qualifier and should again enjoy facing opponents who come out more.
Kenya and Tanzania both began the Africa Cup of Nations with predictable defeats, but we felt the first-named team showed far more encouraging signs. The Harambee Stars were more of a threat after the interval versus Algeria, whereas the Taifa Stars were pretty negative throughout against Senegal.
Africa Cup of Nations hosts Egypt were more superior than a 1-0 scoreline suggests when beating Zimbabwe and can follow up by brushing aside DR Congo. The Leopards opened with a very disappointing 2-0 loss to Uganda and now must come up against the favourites in front of a hostile Cairo crowd.
Nigeria were a touch underwhelming when edging out Burundi in their Africa Cup of Nations opener but will hopefully improve for that victory when taking on Guinea. Their opponents could only earn a share of the spoils versus Madagascar first up and looked nervous at times during that 2-2 stalemate.
Ghana will be determined to improve on a series of Africa Cup of Nations near-misses and can start out by beating Benin in Group F. The Black Stars last lifted this trophy in 1982, but have reached two finals and four other semis in the past six renewals, so few would begrudge them an outright triumph.
Cameroon were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions for the fifth time two years ago and can begin the defence of their trophy by edging out Guinea-Bissau. The Indomitable Lions beat the same opponents 2-1 during the group stage in Gabon and can shade another entertaining encounter.
England are already resigned to an early exit from the European Under-21 Championship but can salvage some pride by beating Croatia in Serravalle. Their opponents have also suffered two defeats so far, but seem to have less scope for improvement in the final round of Group C fixtures.
Chile only need a draw against Uruguay to top Group C at the Copa America and are fancied to achieve that feat in Rio de Janeiro. The 2015 and 2016 champions again look fired up for this competition, with their energy and enthusiasm expected to be a match for La Celeste’s undoubted quality.
Ecuador and Japan both showed improved form in their second Copa America games but we favour the latter team when they meet in Belo Horizonte. The Samurai Blue deserve plenty of credit for a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, whereas Los Amarillos still looked a little lacklustre in going down 2-1 to Chile.
Argentina have been frustrating to follow at the Copa America but still have a chance of scraping into the knockout stages when facing Qatar in Porto Alegre. La Albiceleste cannot afford an embarrassing early exit after disappointing at the World Cup and should be fully fired up for this crucial contest.
Colombia are already assured of finishing top of Copa America Group B and that could make Paraguay a value pick when they meet in Salvador. There was nothing between these two teams in World Cup qualifying, with each side snatching narrow away victories via stoppage-time strikes.
After goalless draws with Peru and Brazil at the Copa America, we’re hoping Venezuela open up more when facing Bolivia in their final Group A game. La Verde have conceded six times in losses to the same two opponents and should be there for the taking, as they must go for a win.