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Martin Laurence previews the £10,000 International Pick 8

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France vs Netherlands – 1

Both teams need a win in the big game in group A with Sweden pulling off a shock to lead the group. The hosts are without a few players at both ends but will be desperate to bounce back following defeat last time out.

Netherlands, meanwhile, have been a shambles for some time and a big win over Luxembourg should do little to inspire any great confidence following the uninspiring re-appointment of Dick Advocaat. A home win in an entertaining game is likely.

Bulgaria vs Sweden – X / 2

Sweden are proving that life after the retirement of the nation’s greatest ever player isn’t so bad after all, with victory over France ensuring they hold the advantage in the group. Bulgaria aren’t out of the running to qualify either, and are no mugs, but don’t have the players of the same pedigree.

Emil Forsberg is the star for the visitors nowadays and could be the difference against a porous home defence to ensure another strong result in what is likely to be a tight affair on Thursday.

Cyprus vs Bosnia – X / 2

For the talent at their disposal, Bosnia have underachieved since qualifying for the 2014 Wotld Cup, with the likes of Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic among Serie A’s strongest performers. Cyprus are no match for that calibre but are an organised side that will set out to frustrate their visitors’ star men on Thursday.

The hosts are on a three game unbeaten streak but Estonia and Gibraltar are no match for this weekend’s opponents and an away win is certainly most likely.

Czech Republic vs Germany – 2

With 27 goals and just 1 conceded in six games the Germans have steamrolled to the top of Group C as expected. A match in the Czech Republic against a side with a solid defence will provide a test of sorts but Jogi Loew’s side have a strong blend of youth and experience now.

New Roma striker Patrik Schick will need to be kept in check (pardon the pun) but elsewhere the home side lack star quality, which Die Mannschaft have in abundance.

Denmark vs Poland – 1 / 2

Among the tougher games to call on this week’s ticket, if Poland can record a sixth successive win in Group E they’ll have more than one foot in Russia already. Denmark must win by comparison to have any chance of catching their visitors and will hope that home advantage could turn the tables.

The two played out a five-goal thriller that the Poles edged in the reverse fixture but this will be their toughest game yet. Lewandowski, who has 11 of the away side’s 15 goals already in qualifying and a hat-trick against the Danes, is of course the likely match winner but don’t rule out the hosts, for whom a draw will not be enough.

Lithuania vs Scotland – X / 2

In terms of quality there’s little question which way this game should go – which isn’t to say Scotland have a great deal of it – but this is exactly the sort of game that blights the Tartan Army’s qualifying campaigns year on year. Strachan’s men know anything but a win would be curtains for their already slim hopes of a second placed finish.

They conspired to draw the reverse fixture at Hampden and a repeat is far from out of the question on Friday.

Georgia vs Rep of Ireland – 2

Ireland have made a strong fist of qualifying from a competitive group that lacks a big name but need to get back to winning ways after consecutive draws. Georgia are winless in Group D by comparison and carry very little threat going forwards but do boast a stubborn enough defence.

It won’t be pretty but the Boys in Green should come out on top with another narrow win.

Spain vs Italy – 1 / X

International breaks are often open to ridicule but Saturday’s meeting between Spain and Italy is a genuinely massive game between two heavyweights of Europe. Separated by goal difference alone, a winner will all but guarantee top spot after a draw in the reverse fixture, with head-to-head records all important

Spain boast the better goal difference so a stalemate would suit the hosts more and the Azzurri may have go all out for the win at some point, which could play into the hands of La Roja on the counter.

Martin is the content manager for WhoScored.com

You can follow more of his tips on Twitter @WSTipster