The following is an analysis of seven matches that will be played on Wednesday the 24th of March.
22:45 Portugal vs Azerbaijan
Home-comforts have been removed in this now Turin-held fixture, but Portugal boast a 100% win rate across their previous nine FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign (WCQ).
My prediction: HT/FT win for Portugal
The reigning champions now begin their 2022 WCQ - and title defence. The world's number two ranked nation are enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run in the competitive action, so should feel confident against the 24th ranked visitors.
My prediction: France will win
22:45 Belgium vs Wales
Wales are hoping to end their 63-year WC finals drought. However they face third placed in the last World Cup finals appearance, Belgium who are currently unbeaten in 29 competitive home matches (W23,D6).
My prediction: Belgium will win
20:00 Turkey vs Netherlands
Netherlands (#14) have conceded first in three of Frank de Boer's five games in charge, but they are yet to lose under his stewardship (W2, D3) and the Oranjes are unbeaten in seven competitive away games, that unbeaten start may well continue here.
My prediction: over 1.5 match goals
22:45 Slovenia vs Croatia
Slovenia head into this in high spirits following promotion in the UEFA Nations League UNL. Despite their blistering run, Slovenia have won just two of their last twelve matches vs top-20 FIFA ranked UEFA nations (W2,D4,L7), conceding 2+ goals in five of the defeats. FIFA World Cup 2018 finalist Croatia currently endure the joint-longest winless run during Zlatko Dalic's time in charge (D1, L3). Yet they are the group's top seed.
My prediction: over 1.5 match goals
22:45 Serbia vs Ireland
Dusan Tadic (SER) has netted 21 goals for Ajax this season. Serbia have scored the opening goal within 20 minutes in four of their last eight competitive home matches. They won 5-0 vs Russia in their last home outing.
My prediction: over 1.5 match goals
22:45 Finland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Teemu Pukki's Finland(#55) are in the hunt for the world cup for the first time in their history. Pjanic's Bosnia (#57) appeared in the 2014 world tournament and should have the ability to cause Finland problems. Bosnia have conced 2+ goals in five of their previous six away outings vs top 60 teams.
My prediction: over 1.5 match goals
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