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Peter O’Rourke Previews This Weeks Pick 8

Peter O’Rourke Previews This Weeks Pick 8 . Join his Syndicate here!

Lithuania v England 

England will be aiming to finish their qualifying campaign unbeaten when they travel to Lithuania on Sunday. Gareth Southgate may opt to give some of his fringe players a chance to impress with qualification secured, but even if some of England’s top stars are given a breather they should be still too strong for Lithuania. A comfortable win with a clean sheet looks the best pick for England in this game.

2

Poland v Montenegro 

Poland are seeking to complete the double over Montenegro after winning 2-1 away in the first meeting between the two countries in qualifying last March. The Poles are normally strong at home and this should be an open and entertaining encounter with points still at stake in Group E

1

Slovenia v Scotland 

Scotland are in the box seat to finish second to England after enjoying a good run of form in 2017 and they will need to be at their best to get anything from their trip to Slovenia. Scotland edged out Slovenia 1-0 in their first meeting at Hampden Park in March and this promises to be another tightly contested affair in Slovenia.

1,X

 

Norway v N. Ireland 

Northern Ireland need a point to secure of a play-off spot after another impressive qualifying campaign under Michael O’Neill and they will be looking to end it on a high against Norway in Oslo. Northern Ireland overcame Norway 2-0 in Belfast in the first meeting in March, while Norway’s only three wins in qualification have come against lowly San Marino and Azerbaijan.

X, 2

 

Ukraine v Croatia 

Ukraine play host to Croatia aiming to keep alive their hopes of at least claiming a play-off spot in Group I. Croatia came out on top when the two sides met in March 1-0 and Ukraine will be hoping home advantage will give them the edge in this final World Cup qualifier.

1, X, 2

 

Wales v Rep. Ireland 

Wales take on Republic of Ireland in Cardiff with both sides battling to take the play-off spot in Group D. Wales have found form just at the right time to boost their qualifcation hopes, while the Republic have dropped crucial points against Georgia and Serbia. The two sides cancelled each other in their first meeting in Dublin and with so much at this stake in this final qualifier it looks like it will be another fiercely contested battle.

X

 

Finland v Turkey 

Finland are playing for pride when they take on Turkey after a disappointing qualifying campaign. Finland have won just two of their qualifying games, while Turkey have shown signs of improvement after a slow start to qualifying. Turkey beat Finland 2-0 in their first meeting and if they need victory on Monday to claim a play-off spot they should have the motivation to take the spoils.

2

Netherlands v Sweden

The Netherland are facing the possibility that they could fail to qualify for successive tournaments for the first time in 22 years when they take on Sweden in Amsterdam. The Dutch have endured a difficult campaign by their high standards having lost three of their eight games. The two sides drew 1-1 in their first meeting last September and a similar result would again do Sweden.

1, X