Belgium were below par when held to a goalless draw by Portugal on Saturday but warrant another chance to impress when hosting Egypt in Brussels. The Red Devils scored a joint European record 43 goals in qualifying and will hopefully find a way to break the Pharaohs down.
Norway have put together a good run of international friendly results this year and are fancied to edge out Panama in Oslo. The Scandinavians have responded well to missing out on the World Cup and will be seeking a fourth straight victory here.
Nigeria showed plenty of industry in the second half against England and more of the same would make them a solid bet to beat the Czech Republic in Austria. Having failed to qualify for the World Cup, the Czechs looked short of motivation when crushed 4-0 by Australia on Friday.
Russia could do with a morale boost ahead of the World Cup and are fancied to edge out Turkey in Tuesday’s Moscow international friendly. The hosts have gone six games without a win but their desire and hunger to hit form before facing Saudi Arabia a week on Thursday can prove decisive here.
Anfield will stage a cracking Russia 2018 warm-up match on Sunday when Brazil take on Croatia and we’re backing the Selecao to come out on top. Brazil recovered from conceding an early own goal to win 3-1 when these teams met at the last World Cup in Sao Paulo and they can confirm that superiority.
England will be hoping to further enhance an impressive defensive record under Gareth Southgate when entertaining Nigeria in Saturday’s international friendly at Wembley. The Three Lions have only conceded one goal in their last six matches and go into this World Cup warm-up game as hot favourites.
Mexico couldn’t break down Wales in Monday’s World Cup warm-up in Pasadena but Scotland may struggle to keep them out at the iconic Azteca Stadium this weekend. Alex McLeish’s inexperienced squad have already gone down 2-0 to Peru on this trip and face another tough test here.
Serbia have assembled a solid squad ahead of Russia 2018 and they are fancied to see off a Chile side missing several key players in Austria. Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez are among those absent for the South American outfit in this international friendly at the home of Sturm Graz.
Peru are rated as dark horses to do well at Russia 2018, whereas Saudi Arabia are rank outsiders and we reckon those World Cup odds will be reflected in this warm-up. The South American side did us a favour when beating Scotland 2-0 on Monday and a repeat of that performance should suffice in St Gallen, Switzerland.
Northern Ireland did well to draw with Panama on Tuesday and can repeat that feat when facing Costa Rica in San Jose on Sunday. This will be a first World Cup warm-up match for the hosts, before taking on England and Belgium, and they may just be in need of the outing.
Morocco are unbeaten in eight matches heading into Monday’s World Cup warm-up match with Slovakia and are tipped to come out on top in Geneva. The Atlas Lions have an experienced head coach in Herve Renard and a superb on-field general in Juventus centre-half Medhi Benatia.
Germany have failed to win any of four international friendlies played since qualifying for Russia 2018 but are fancied to end that barren run in Austria on Saturday. Following draws against England, France and Spain, Die Mannschaft were beaten 1-0 by Brazil, but this weekend’s opponents are a level below that quartet.
Iceland will be hoping for a morale-boosting win ahead of this summer’s World Cup, but Norway are no mugs and have named a strong-looking squad for this Reykjavik clash. The visitors claimed a couple of friendly wins in March and experienced head coach Lars Lagerback will be keen to maintain the momentum.
Republic of Ireland have been hit by some injury problems but should have enough strength in depth to see off a very youthful USA squad in Saturday’s Dublin friendly. The visitors can only call on a handful of players with any significant international experience and that must make them vulnerable at Aviva Stadium.