Bulgaria vs England, Switzerland vs Republic of Ireland and more
Monday 14 October 2019 15:28, UK
Charlie Nicholas gives his predictions for the upcoming international fixtures, with England and the Republic of Ireland in action in European Qualifiers.
It is another awkward one. Bulgaria trying to gain a head of steam, but it is nothing like their glory years of 10-15 years ago. It is a short window of opportunity for the Bulgarians playing against England and a chance to showcase what they can do. Everyone is on about racism and the fact England will walk off in solidarity, but despite the setback in Prague, England should be able to come away from this with a win. It will not be easy but they are more than capable of getting the job done here.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 0-2 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Northern Ireland have done well. Michael O'Neill has done a fantastic job - that is why Scotland wanted him. He has made Northern Ireland grow and made them believe. It is a very hostile place to go and I think Czech Republic will be too strong for them. These countries are always strong at home, and it will be a dangerous night with another defeat for Northern Ireland.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
The French like their exhibition-style stuff, and they have such an abundance of stars and talent. Paul Pogba wants to be fit when he is ready, and the rest are all competing for places, right from the goalkeeper to the forward positions. It is a very healthy state of affairs for France currently and this will be another routine night for Didier Deschamps and his side.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 4-0 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
This is a tough place to go. The Swiss, even with Granit Xhaka in the team, are a formidable force, especially at home. They will be without Xherdan Shaqiri, but that should not cause too many issues - they are unbeaten in the qualifying stages and that is without Shaqiri. Again, this Irish side under Mick McCarthy are renowned for being tough and competitive. They are a well-drilled group, but I cannot find a solution to their goalscoring problems. They always have the same wide men and rarely change from their one man strike force, so I do not see them getting a result from this.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
This is an awkward one for the Spanish. Sweden will be full of enthusiasm at the possibility of claiming a scalp by getting the win, and they will always threaten. Spain do not have the glamour of Andres Iniesta and Xavi anymore, while they have tried so many different strikers. It tends to be Rodrigo and Paco Alcacer but they have tried Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata too. It is weird because there are loads of goals in this Spain side, even more so from the midfield and wide areas, so I think they will nick this.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-2 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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