Saudi Arabia vs Australia

King Abdullah Sports City is the venue as Saudi Arabia and Australia go head-to-head in a tasty-looking 2022 World Cup qualifying encounter.

Despite going from consecutive victories in World Cup qualifying Group B to back-to-back section outings without winning (D1, L1), Saudi Arabia have booked their place at Qatar 2022 with a match to spare. Much of the credit for Saudi Arabia’s second consecutive progression into the final tournament has to be pinned on their impressive home form. The ‘Green Falcons’ have won all four 2022 World Cup qualifiers at home by an aggregate scoreline of 8-3, though their last three such wins have yielded a narrow one-goal margin each. Particularly dangerous beyond half-time, Herve Renard’s men have registered a clear majority (75%) of their home goals scored in the ongoing qualifying campaign in the second half of play (6/8).

In the meantime, Australia’s path to Qatar 2022 will continue in the dreaded inter-confederation play-offs after an underwhelming 2-0 home defeat to Japan last time out condemned them to a third-place finish in Group B. Though the outcome of this encounter won’t affect the final standings, the ‘Socceroos’ will be keen to snap their frustrating run of three World Cup qualifying away games without winning (D2, L1). Australia’s defensive woes have seen them concede an average of 1.66 goals per match during that three-game sequence, with four of their five goals shipped in that time arriving beyond half-time. But the Saudi fans could be in for a threat as both of their last two competitive H2Hs on this soil have featured both teams scoring in matches garnering 4+ goals.

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Netherlands vs Germany

Johan Cruijff Arena plays host to a mouth-watering international friendly between neighbours and bitter rivals Netherlands and Germany.

The Netherlands pulled off a ‘goal-friendly’ 4-2 win over Denmark in their first friendly during this international break, maintaining their 100% unbeaten ratio under current head coach Louis van Gaal (W6, D2). Since exiting last summer’s Euro 2020, the ‘Oranje’ have won all five home matches in all competitions, netting a staggering average of 4.4 goals per game. Delivering action from the get-go, Van Gaal’s men have scored precisely three first-half goals in three of their last four home outings, including the abovementioned victory over Denmark. The Dutch will feel confident about their scoring prospects here, having bagged at least two goals in each of their last four meetings with Germany (W2, D1, L1), including an enthralling 4-2 triumph in their most recent H2H back in September 2019.

Meanwhile, Germany made light work of Israel in their first warm-up fixture for the upcoming World Cup finals, cruising to a comfortable 2-0 HT/FT win a few days ago. Hansi Flick’s arrival at the helm has inspired Germany’s renaissance following an underwhelming Euro 2020 campaign. Indeed, ‘Die Mannschaft’ have won all eight internationals under Flick’s guidance by an aggregate score of 33-2. What’s more, they’ve racked up four consecutive triumphs on hostile turf in the post-Euro 2020 period, scoring precisely four goals in three of them. After becoming the first nation to book a ticket for Qatar, Germany will be looking to maintain the defensive solidity that has seen them win six of their last eight matches without conceding. Against this backdrop, they’ve shipped an average of 2.75 goals per game across their last four H2Hs versus the Netherlands.

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Portugal vs North Macedonia

A spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup is up for the taking as Portugal and high-flying North Macedonia lock horns in the UEFA-zone World Cup qualification play-off dawns at the Estádio do Dragão.

Portugal’s pursuit of their sixth successive World Cup finals appearance has been handed a boost as North Macedonia’s stunning win over Italy removed the reigning European champions from their path to Qatar. Meanwhile, the ‘Selecao’ edge out Turkey 3-1 in their own semi-finals tie, though their performance flattered to deceive. Keen to maintain their eye-catching record of reaching every major tournament in the 21st century, Fernando Santos’ men will draw confidence from their solid seven-game form on home turf (W6, L1). Additionally, since exiting last summer’s Euro 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo and co have netted 2+ goals in four of their five international matches at home, at an average of 2.8 per game. They have also kept North Macedonia goalless in both previous H2Hs (W1, D1).

In the meantime, Aleksandar Trajkovski’s last-gasp winner in Palermo helped the Macedonians squeeze past Italy, reinforcing their bid to qualify for their first World Cup finals as an independent nation. But the ‘Lynxes’ will have to defy the odds once again if they were to advance to the showpiece event later this year. Blagoja Milevski’s men have momentum firmly on their side, having won four of their last five World Cup qualifying matches on the road while netting 3+ goals in three of those victories. Remarkably, two of those triumphs arrived against non-other than Italy and Germany, further solidifying their hopes of staging another upset. Much of North Macedonia’s chances of overcoming Portugal will rest on their defensive stubbornness. After keeping a clean sheet in their last three World Cup qualifiers away from home, Milevski’s team should feel confident.

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Japan vs Vietnam

Japan will be looking to solidify their position at the top of Asia’s World Cup qualifying Group B when they take on whipping boys Vietnam at the Saitama Stadium.

Japan’s 2-0 win away to Australia last time out cemented their place at the upcoming World Cup finals, which will be their seventh successive appearance at the final tournament. Since losing 1-0 at Saudi Arabia in October 2021, Hajime Moriyasu’s men have won six consecutive World Cup qualifying matches by an aggregate scoreline of 1-0. Each of Japan’s last three victories in Group B have yielded the identical 2-0 scoreline, with four of their six goals scored in that sequence coming beyond half-time. Additionally, since losing 1-0 to Oman on Matchday 1, the ‘Samuari Blue’ have scored precisely two goals in their last three World Cup qualifiers on home turf, winning each of them.

On the other hand, Vietnam’s bid to advance to their first-ever World Cup finals have suffered another massive failure as they’ve lost eight of their nine Group B fixtures (W1), barring a 3-1 home win over China on Matchday 8. Interestingly, the ‘Golden Star Warriors’ have netted just four goals across their remaining eight World Cup qualifying matches in Round 3, all of which arrived on foreign soil. Despite scoring in three of their four Group B travels, Park Hang-Seo’s men have lost all four, conceding 3+ goals on each occasion. After losing both previous away H2Hs versus Japan by an aggregate score of 5-0, they already look like a doomed outfit here.

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France vs South Africa

France will be looking to maintain their eye-catching run of form when they encounter out-of-sorts South Africa at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

France picked themselves up from an early deficit to beat South Africa’s fellow continental rivals Ivory Coast 2-1 last time out, taking their winning streak to six matches. Back at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, where they’ve not conceded in any of their previous four internationals (W3, D1), ‘Les Bleus’ will seek revenge for a disappointing 2-1 H2H defeat at the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa. Led by the former World Cup winner Didier Deschamps, the reigning world champions have developed an unparalleled bounce-back ability, having gone unbeaten in all nine previous internationals when conceding the opening goal (W4, D5). Indeed, they came from behind to beat both Belgium and Spain en route to lifting the UEFA Nations League crown in November.

In the meantime, South Africa have suffered a noticeable dip in form ahead of this clash, going from three consecutive victories to back-to-back internationals without scoring (D1, L1). Entertainment has been relatively sparse in South Africa’s recent fixtures, with each of the last four in a row seeing one or both sides fail to score in matches garnering under 1.5 total goals. A lack of firepower up top has seen ‘Bafana Bafana’ draw a blank in five of their last six international games held on foreign soil, including a dismal goalless draw with FIFA’s #81-ranked side Guinea a few days ago. So it comes as no surprise that the odds are firmly stacked against them here, though it’s worth noting that South Africa won their last meeting with reigning world champions, courtesy of a 1-0 triumph over Spain in 2013.

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Netherlands vs Denmark

Johan Cruijff Arena is the venue as the Netherlands and Denmark go head-to-head in a high-profile international friendly.

A comfortable 2-0 home win over Norway in their final 2022 World Cup qualifying Group G outing ensured the Netherlands’ return to the World Cup finals after their failed attempt to reach ‘Russia 2018.’ With the home fans back in attendance, the ‘Oranje’ are looking to give them something to shout about as they gear up for their first home friendly since a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over Georgia in June 2021. Louis van Gaal’s men have gone undefeated in 78% of their last 23 international friendlies (W9, D9, L5), with just one of those defeats coming on home soil. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that they fell to a 1-0 reverse to Mexico in their most recent Amsterdam-held friendly. However, Van Gaal’s men have won all four home matches in the post-Euro 2020 campaign.

On the other hand, after establishing themselves as Euro 2020 surprise package, Denmark have secured a place at Qatar 2022, courtesy of an eye-catching World Cup qualifying Group F campaign (W9, L1). Since their Euro 2020 semi-final defeat to England, the ‘Danish Dynamite’ have developed into a hard-to-break side, with just one of their subsequent seven games featuring both teams on the scoresheet (W6, L1). Kasper Hjulmand’s men have shown exceptional professionalism in recent friendly fixtures, going unbeaten in seven in a row (W5, D2), three of which yielded the same 2-0 scoreline and witnessed Denmark find the net beyond the 60th minute. But after enjoying a five-game unbeaten run on the road (W4, D1), the visitors fell to a 2-0 reverse to Scotland in their most recent international away from home.

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Germany vs Israel

Germany and Israel are set to trade tackles at PreZero Arena for an exciting international friendly.

Having become the first nation to qualify for the upcoming World Cup finals, Germany will now focus on finding the right mix of players for winter’s showpiece event. That’s likely to trigger some rotation to the squad, but manager Hansi Flick will be eager to maintain the momentum that has seen his side win all seven matches under his stewardship by an aggregate score of 31-1. Indeed, the Germans’ average of 4.43 goals scored per game under Joachim Low’s successor has re-established them as a force to be reckoned with following an underwhelming Euro 2020 last-16 exit. ‘Die Mannschaft’ have won all three post-Euro 2020 home outings 17-1 an aggregate, including a comprehensive 9-0 triumph over continental minnows Liechtenstein last time out.

Meanwhile, Israel’s lack of consistency (W5, D1, L4) saw them finish third in 2022 World Cup qualifying Group F, a whopping seven points below second-placed Austria. Despite failing to qualify for their first showpiece event since 1970, the Israeli can draw confidence from their ‘goal-friendly’ 3-2 home win over the Faroe Islands last time out. Indeed, the free-scoring ‘Chosen Team’ have scored 2+ goals in four consecutive internationals in the build-up to this trip, suggesting they could improve their paltry ratio of 0.5 goals netted across the last two H2H meetings with Germany (L2). Heading to Sinsheim with caretaker boss Gadi Brumer ready to take charge of his first fixture, Israel will hope to solidify their defence after failing to keep a clean sheet in 14 of their last 16 internationals. Worryingly, though, they’ve conceded 2+ goals in nine of those 16 matches, highlighting the potential for another leaky affair.

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Republic of Ireland vs Belgium

The Republic of Ireland and Belgium are set to face off against each other at the Aviva Stadium in an international friendly.

Heading into proceedings on a run of six internationals without losing (W3, D3), the Republic of Ireland will look to defy a substantial gulf in FIFA’s rankings against the world’s number one side. It’s been a while since Stephen Kenny’s side last suffered a home defeat in an international friendly, going unbeaten in six consecutive such fixtures (W5, D1) since a 1-0 loss to Iceland in March 2017. Iceland’s form has been off the charts since October’s international break onwards, as they’ve kept four clean sheets in as many outings in that period while netting 3+ goals three times in the process. Against this backdrop, the ‘Boys in Green’ have only registered one shutout in their last 13 H2H meetings with Belgium (W2, D5, L6).

On the other hand, Belgium have booked their place at December’s showpiece event as 2022 World Cup qualifying Group E winners, going unbeaten in all eight matches in the qualification cycle (W6, D2). Even though head coach Roberto Martinez has decided to reshuffle the deck and hand an opportunity to fringe players to show their worth, ‘De Rode Duivels’ are unbeaten in their last two international outings (W1, D1). But Belgium’s defensive frailties remain the elephant in the room, with the world’s best-ranked nation keeping just two clean sheets across their last eight matches. That shouldn’t faze Martinez’s free-scoring side, as they’ve found the back of the net in 27 consecutive internationals in the build-up to this fixture. Yet, with four of their last five friendly games featuring under 2.5 goals (W2, D3), the Dublin crowd could be in for a low-scoring affair.

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Singapore vs Malaysia

The National Stadium is the venue as Singapore and Malaysia go head-to-head in an all-Asian international friendly.

Singapore will hope to improve on their disappointing form down the final stretch of 2021 that saw them go winless in three consecutive international fixtures (D2, L1 – 90mins only). There’s plenty of reason for optimism in the Singapore camp, as the ‘Lions’ have kept Malaysia goalless in both previous international H2Hs, although they only scored once in those meetings (W1, D1). Moreover, Nazri Nasir’s men have gone unbeaten in their last three matches at home (W2, D1), with both of those victories coming by 2+ goals ‘to nil.’ Since the turn of 2019, eight of Singapore’s 11 home fixtures have featured 3+ goals, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring affair.

On the other hand, Malaysia pulled off a 2-0 win over the Philippines in their most recent international outing, ending a run of two consecutive defeats by a three-goal margin. Interestingly, since drawing three consecutive internationals in December 2018, none of Malaysia’s last 24 matches have ended level (W13, L11). However, the visitors’ indifferent away form has seen them alternate between victories (2) and defeats (2) across their last four internationals on hostile turf. With each of those four results (win/loss) witnessing the winner on the day prevail by a 2+ goal margin, this encounter could produce a ‘blowout’ should either side manage to get a win.

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England vs Switzerland

England’s warm-up campaign for the upcoming World Cup finals begins at Wembley Stadium as they take on fellow European rivals Switzerland in an international friendly.

Despite suffering Euro 2022 grand final heartache at the hands of Italy, 2021 proved to be a successful year for England. Led by Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane, the ‘Three Lions’ netted a staggering 52 goals in 2021, their best scoring record across a single calendar year in the nation’s history. In addition to their remarkable attacking output, Gareth Southgate’s men were nothing short of outstanding at the back, keeping a record-breaking 14 clean sheets last calendar year. Warm favourites to grab another win, England boast an intimidating 23-game form against Switzerland (W16, D6), with their solitary defeat in this run of fixtures dating back to 1981. Coming into this encounter, Southgate’s men are unbeaten in their last 20 internationals (W16, D4), meaning they are one win/draw away from setting another unprecedented feat in the country’s history.

On the other hand, Switzerland’s epic comeback in 2022 World Cup qualifying Group C saw them come from behind to pip reigning European champions Italy to a top-place finish, courtesy of an unbeaten record in the qualifying cycle (W5, D3). Murat Yakin’s men will take the field in high spirits after going unbeaten in their last ten international fixtures (W5, D5), with much of the credit for their impressive run of form going to a rock-solid defence. Indeed, the Swiss conceded only two goals across their eight 2022 World Cup qualifiers, while they’ve kept five clean sheets in seven matches since exiting Euro 2020. However, after drawing a blank in each of their last four meetings with England, Switzerland will be more worried about their performances at the other end of the pitch.

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Croatia vs Slovenia

Qatar’s Education City Stadium is the venue as Croatia and Slovenia go head-to-head in an exciting international friendly.

Croatia will get their preparations for the upcoming World Cup finals underway against a side they’ve defeated in three of their last four international H2Hs, friendlies included (L1). The 2018 World Cup runners-up finished top of 2022 World Cup qualifying Group H, a single point clear of second-placed Russia, who got banned from international football due to their invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, the ‘Blazers’ are unbeaten in all seven international fixtures (W5, D2) since exiting Euro 2020, keeping five clean sheets in this period. Delivering action from the get-go, the Croatians have opened the scoring in seven of their last nine international outings. Hot favourites to maintain their eye-catching form, Croatia have only lost one of their last 16 meetings with nations ranked outside FIFA’s top-50 (W10, D5).

In the meantime, Slovenia, who are, in fact, the only side sitting outside the top 50 to beat Croatia during that 16-game sequence, will have to wait for another qualifying cycle to reach their first World Cup finals since 2010. But following a 1-0 home win over the Croatians in their opening Group H encounter, the Slovenians fell to a disastrous 3-0 defeat in Split. To Slovenia’s credit, though, they’ve only lost twice in their last nine internationals (W4, D3), suggesting Matjaz Kek’s men are moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, Slovenia’s lack of consistency has seen none of their last ten matches replicating the same result twice in a row, highlighting the unpredictability following this side. The visitors can find confidence in the fact they’ve scored 2+ goals in their last two fixtures on hostile turf, though.

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Argentina vs Venezuela

Argentina’s pursuit of a record-setting CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying record continues this weekend as they welcome rock-bottom Venezuela to the Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti.

Having already sealed their 13th successive appearance at the World Cup finals, Argentina have no intention of taking their foot off the gas, with a piece of history open for grabs. Indeed, the Argentines are in good shape to become the first-ever South American nation to go unbeaten throughout the entire World Cup qualifying campaign under the new 18-game format. Lionel Scaloni’s men have picked up ten victories from their 15 2022 World Cup qualifiers so far (D5), conceding second-low seven goals in the process. Topically, ‘La Albiceleste’ have kept a clean sheet in their last five World Cup qualifiers on home turf. Additionally, a 1-0 win over Colombia last time out took Argentina’s unbeaten run across all competitions to a staggering 29 matches, only eight shy of Italy’s all-time high of 37.

As for Venezuela, a disastrous 4-1 defeat away to Uruguay back in February cancelled out their home victory over fellow continental minnows Bolivia. After failing to secure their maiden World Cup finals appearance, the Venezuelans will hope to at least avoid finishing bottom of the South American qualifying section for the second cycle on the trot. However, ‘La Vinotinto’ have suffered all eight defeats in 2022 World Cup away qualifiers by an embarrassing 18-3 aggregate score. Venezuela’s defensive woes could prove detrimental to their hopes of upsetting Argentina, as they’ve conceded a worrying average of 1.88 goals in the ongoing qualifying cycle. Moreover, they’ve let in 2+ goals in three of their last four World Cup away qualifiers. Jose Pekerman’s men have failed to impress at the other end of the pitch either, netting a competition-low 14 goals to date.

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Egypt vs Senegal

A month after pipping Egypt to their first-ever continental success, Senegal will face the same opposition in a mouth-watering World Cup qualifying play-off final at the Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt’s wounds following a heartbreaking defeat in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations grand final have yet to heal. Driven by revenge, the Egyptians will be looking to return the favour to Senegal and secure back-to-back appearances at the World Cup finals for the first time in the nation’s history. Carlos Queiroz’s men reach the AFCON showpiece despite scoring just four goals in their eight outings at the tournament (90mins only). The abovementioned AFCON heartache saw Egypt fail to find the net in a third successive meeting with Senegal across all competitions. However, the ‘Pharaohs’ finished top of the 2022 World Cup qualifying Group F without a single defeat from six matches (W4, D2), having netted an average of 1.66 goals per game.

On the other hand, high-flying Senegal could qualify for the World Cup finals for only the third time in the nation’s history, having featured in 2002 and 2018 editions. ‘Les Lions de la Téranga’ took the 2022 World Cup qualifying Group H by storm, racking up five wins from six matches (D1) while bagging an impressive average of 2.5 goals per game. Excluding fixtures held on neutral soil, Aliou Cisse’s men have gone unbeaten in all five competitive outings away from home (W3, D2) since the start of 2021. But they have found goals hard to come by in that five-game run, netting one or less on three occasions. Likewise, Senegal found themselves on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline in their only previous World Cup qualifying visit to Egypt back in 2001.

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France vs Ivory Coast

Stade Velodrome is the venue as France and Ivory Coast go head-to-head in a tasty-looking international friendly.

France’s return to the home of Olympique Marseille for the first time since hosting Euro 2016 brings up fond memories, as they overcame Germany in the tournament’s semi-finals at this venue. Fresh from conquering the UEFA Nations League last November, ‘Les Bleus’ are keen to stay on the upwards trajectory during their warm-up campaign for the upcoming World Cup finals. Defending world champions head into proceedings on a run of five consecutive victories by an aggregate score of 17-3, having scored 2+ goals on each occasion. Head coach Didier Deschamps has instilled the winning mentality into France’s national team, as witnessed by a brace of come-from-behind triumphs over Belgium and Spain en route to lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy.

Meanwhile, visitors Ivory Coast experienced a false 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, bowing out to Egypt in the opening knock-out round via a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. After making three successive World Cup appearances between 2006 and 2014, the Ivorians have now failed to qualify for the final tournament twice in a row. ‘Les Elephants’ will have a point to prove in Marseille, but after drawing a blank in both previous meetings with France (D1, L1), they look like a doomed outfit. Moreover, it’s been a while since Ivory Coast last tasted victory against a European nation ranked inside FIFA’s top-10, as their most recent success in such match-up dates back to August 2010. Excluding games held on neutral soil, the visitors have failed to score in three of their last four away internationals.

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Romania vs Greece

Stadionul Steaua is the venue as Romania take on Greece in an intriguing international friendly. Both nations are seeking fresh starts after failing to advance to December’s World Cup finals in Qatar.

Since turning a 1-0 half-time lead into a 2-1 defeat away to Germany in the recently finished 2022 World Cup qualifying Group J campaign, Romania have put together three successive internationals without losing (W2, D1). Defensively robust, the Romanians have kept a clean sheet in each of those three matches. However, a lack of firepower up top has seen the ‘Tricolours’ score a measly average of 0.8 goals per game across their last five outings, netting over 1.5 goals only once in that run of fixtures. They seem unlikely to improve against Greece, having bagged under 1.5 goals in each of their last four international H2Hs.

Meanwhile, Greece will miss out on the second consecutive World Cup finals after finishing third in 2022 World Cup qualifying Group B, behind Spain and Sweden. The Greeks were firmly in contention for a top-two finish going into the final three qualifying matchdays. However, a pair of defeats, coupled with an underwhelming 1-1 home draw with Kosovo, condemned them to another World Cup disappointment. Gus Poyet’s men have blown hot and cold away from home lately, racking up just two wins from their last six internationals on hostile turf (D2, L2). Only two of those six games featured more than two goals at full-time, highlighting the potential for a low-scoring affair in Bucharest.

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Ghana vs Nigeria

The latest chapter of a long-standing rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria pits the two African supreme footballing forces against each other at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Ghana, who faltered at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, have been handed home advantage in the first leg of this mouth-watering 2022 World Cup play-off tie. It is worth noting that Ghana’s last four international meetings with Nigeria as nominal hosts have each seen one or both sides fail to get on the scoresheet in matches garnering under 2.5 total goals. But the Ghanaians showed they could thrive in evenly-contested, low-scoring fixtures, with two of their three home victories in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign yielding the same 1-0 scoreline. Since each of those three wins witnessed the ‘Black Stars’ lead 1-0 at half-time, the home fans will be hoping for another flying start.

In the meantime, Nigeria’s bid to reach the World Cup finals for the fourth time on the trot faces a stern test. The Nigerians have only won once in their last eight international fixtures against Ghana, including friendlies (D3, L4 – 90mins only). Head coach Augustine Eguavoen has been given a month to rally his troops following Nigeria’s underwhelming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations last-16 exit at the hands of Tunisia. There’s plenty of reason for optimism in the travelling camp, though, as the ‘Super Eagles’ won all three away matches in the 2022 World Cup qualifying Group C by an aggregate score of 6-1. Delivering action from the get-go, Nigeria got on the scoresheet within 30 minutes of play in each of those three victories.

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Italy vs North Macedonia

Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo will play host to a high-stakes World Cup qualifying semi-final tie between Italy and North Macedonia.

Despite going unbeaten in all eight World Cup qualifying Group C fixtures (W4, D4), Italy will have to find their way to Qatar 2022 via play-offs after drawing four of their last five qualifying matches (W1), including the last two in a row. ‘Gli Azzurri’ will be looking to avoid back-to-back failed attempts to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in the nation’s history. Worryingly, though, since lifting the Euro 2020 title last summer, Roberto Mancini’s men have netted 2+ goals only twice across their seven international outings. Moreover, Italy have only won two of their five home matches in the post-Euro 2020 period (D2, L1), failing to keep a clean sheet four times in the process.

In the meantime, North Macedonia are dreaming of making their first-ever World Cup finals appearance as an independent nation, having made their maiden European Championships bow last summer. Despite ensuring an impressive runner-up finish to Germany in World Cup qualifying Group J, the Macedonians are clear underdogs here, having lost both previous international meetings with nations ranked inside FIFA’s top-11 by a 3- goal margin. It’s also worth noting that Blagoja Milevski’s men conceded the opening goal in all three Euro 2020 outings, going on to lose each clash. Even though they are relatively inexperienced in this kind of matches, Macedonia can draw inspiration from scoring in both qualification H2Hs for the previous World Cup finals in Russia, including a 1-1 draw on hostile turf.

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China vs Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will take a trip to the Sharjah Stadium to take on China in the penultimate round of Asia’s FIFA World Cup qualification Group B fixtures, looking to cement their place at the upcoming World Cup finals.

Already stripped of any chance to secure only their second-ever appearance at the World Cup finals, China head into proceedings amid a rough patch. Li Xiaopeng’s men have gone from a brace of 1-1 draws to back-to-back World Cup qualifying defeats by a two-goal margin, conceding the opening goal within 15 minutes of play on both occasions. Even though a win won’t make any difference for China, they can still rely on their decent home form in the World Cup qualifying Round 2 (W1, D2, L1). However, the ‘Dragon’s Team’ have encountered no luck in their recent home H2Hs, having gone winless in their last three international home meetings with Saudi Arabia (D2, L1), scoring just once in that spread of fixtures.

Saudi Arabia’s high-flying run in World Cup qualification Group B (W6, D1) came to a halt last time out as they succumbed to a dismal 2-0 defeat away to Japan. However, the Saudis are one step away from landing an automatic berth at Qatar 2022 as another win here would seal the deal for the ‘Green Falcons.’ Any hope of registering another triumph would hinge on the visitors’ ability to keep things tight at the back, considering that both of their Group B away victories have yielded the same 1-0 scoreline. Yet, Saudi Arabia’s recent H2H record against China in the World Cup qualifying reads indifferently (W1, D1, L1), with each of those encounters featuring a full-time margin of under 1.5 goals.

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Australia vs Japan

Accor Stadium is the venue as Australia and Japan go head-to-head in Asia’s FIFA World Cup qualification Group B top-table six-pointer.

Australia’s hopes of landing automatic qualification for the upcoming final tournament are hanging by a thread. Going into the penultimate qualifying round, the ‘Socceroos’ sit three points adrift of Group B runners-up Japan, whom they’ve failed to beat in any of their last eight international H2Hs (D3, L5). Even though Australia head coach Graham Arnold will be out after testing positive for Covid-19, Australia can draw confidence from their impressive home form in the ongoing qualifying cycle. They have won seven of their eight qualifying home matches, the second round included (D1). What’s more, each of the Australians’ three Group B home victories have yielded a 2+ goal margin, further adding to their confidence.

On the other hand, a draw could prove sufficient for Japan’s bid to land their seventh successive World Cup finals appearance, as Australia will meet section-toppers Saudi Arabia on the ultimate matchday. Although the ‘Samurai Blue’ will be without standout defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, they should remain compact at the back after conceding only three goals in the third qualifying round, fewer than any other nation in Group B. Despite racking up a Group B-high nine points from four road trips so far (W3, L1), Hajime Moriyasu’s men have established themselves as ‘entertainment killers’ away from home. Indeed, each of their four third-stage away matches have featured an identical 1-0 scoreline.

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Hungary vs Serbia

Hungary and Serbia are set to face off against each other in an international friendly at the Puskas Arena.

The Hungarians return to action for the first time since failing to land qualification for the upcoming World Cup finals. But they should be in a confident mood after winning their last two World Cup qualifiers by an aggregate score of 6-1, including a 2-1 away triumph over play-off contenders Poland. Since exiting Euro 2020, the ‘Magyars’ have alternated between victories (2) and defeats (2) across their four international games on home turf. Since three of those four results (win/loss) yielded a clean sheet, staying thick at the back could prove significant for Hungary’s hopes of winning. Adding to the Hungarians’ confidence, they are unbeaten in both H2Hs in the 21st century (W1, D1), both of which featured under 2.5 goals.

In the meantime, the Serbs have qualified for their second successive World Cup finals as qualifying Group A winners, courtesy of a last-gasp 2-1 away win to Portugal on the final matchday. Since losing 1-0 to Japan in another international friendly back in June 2021, the ‘Eagles’ have gone unbeaten in their last four matches on hostile turf (W3, D1), conceding under 1.5 goals on each occasion. But Serbia’s recent away fixtures have been notably tight, as each of their last three road trips have yielded a full-time margin of under 1.5 goals (W2, D1), with the deadlock broken inside the opening 20 minutes in two of them. Likewise, both of their previous international meetings with Hungary have featured the opener by the 20th minute of play.

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South Korea vs Iran

+South Korea and Iran are set to square off in Asia’s FIFA World Cup qualification Group A top-table six-pointer at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

South Korea have already locked up their place at the upcoming final tournament with a few games to spare as they now look to complete the entrie qualifying cycle without losing a single match. The Koreans boast an almost perfect win ratio in Group A (W6, D2), having won their last four World Cup qualifiers by an aggregate score of 7-0 since a 1-1 draw at Iran of all sides. Interestingly, each of Korea’s last three international meetings with the Iranians have ended level – including friendlies – all of which featured under 2.5 total goals. However, the ‘Taegeuk Warriors’ have won six of their seven home internationals (D1) since the start of 2021.

In the meantime, Iran have gone from strength to strength since the abovementioned draw in the reverse fixture, racking up four consecutive World Cup qualifying victories by an aggregate score of 7-1. Like their hosts, the Iranians have already claimed their place at Qatar 2022, their third successive appearance at the final tournament. Dragan Skocic’s men have been nothing short of outstanding away from home in the ongoing qualifying cycle, having won all four Group A away fixtures by an aggregate score of 9-1. Iran’s away action usually sparks into life beyond half-time, as six of their nine goals scored in such match-ups arrived in the second half of play.

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Sweden vs Czech Republic

Friends Arena is the venue as Sweden and the Czech Republic go head-to-head in an intriguing FIFA World Cup qualification semi-final tie.

After reaching the quarter-finals at ‘Russia 2018,’ Russia are seeking back-to-back appearances at the World Cup finals, having finished runners-up to Spain in World Cup qualifying Group B. That’s after losing their final two group stage fixtures without scoring. A lack of firepower up front has forced head coach Janne Andersson to recall the 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will miss out on this semi-final tie due to suspension. Back on home turf following a brace of defeats on the road, Sweden will feel confident about their hopes of advancing to the play-offs final, having won their last nine home internationals on the spin. What’s more, the ‘Blagult’ have netted 2+ goals in each of their last six such fixtures, including a 2-1 win over Spain back in September 2021.

On the other hand, the Czech Republic failed to secure a top-two finish in World Cup qualifying Group E despite landing a pair of 2-0 wins over sub-par opponents on the final two matchdays. Yet, they’ve reached the play-off semi-finals via the UEFA Nations League, presenting themselves with an opportunity to advance to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006. Jaroslav Silhavy’s men will be without several first-team defenders, but Patrik Schick’s return to the fold will hand the Czechs’ bid to outplay Sweden here a massive boost. Although the Czechs lament an indifferent seven-game form on hostile turf (W3, D1, L3), it’s worth noting that each of those three defeats in that sequence came at the hands of nations currently ranked inside FIFA’s top-10.

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Thailand vs Nepal

Chonburi Stadium will play host to an all-Asian international friendly between Thailand and Nepal.

Thailand have experienced a noticeable upturn in form in the build-up to this fixture, going from seven international matches without winning (D3, L4) to picking up six wins from their last eight outings (D2). Alexandre Polking’s men have been relentless in the front third of late, netting 2+ goals in seven of their previous eight international fixtures, including the last two in a row. Since losing 1-0 to Malaysia in the World Cup qualifying back in June 2021, the ‘War Elephants’ have gone unbeaten in their last four home internationals (W2, D2), keeping three clean sheets in that period while scoring an average of 2.00 goals per game.

Meanwhile, Nepal have won their double-header over Mauritius by the same 1-0 scoreline to set themselves up nicely for this encounter. However, they had gone three consecutive internationals without winning beforehand (D1, L2), failing to get on the scoresheet in both defeats in that sequence. Still, the ‘Gorkhalis’ have been fun to watch on the road of late, with three of their last four internationals on hostile turf featuring 3+ total goals. Unfortunately, each of those three high-scoring fixtures saw Nepal concede 2+ goals, at an average of 3.0 per match. With four scoring blanks from their last seven road trips, a lack of defensive stubbornness could be a massive concern for head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi.

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RB Leipzig vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Following a dramatic Europa League win over Real Betis, Eintracht Frankfurt head to the Red Bull Arena to take on RB Leipzig in a handsomely-looking Bundesliga encounter.

After a walkover of Spartak Moscow spared Leipzig from an exhausting midweek Europa League action, the hosts are looking to maintain their high-flying Bundesliga form (W4, D1). Leipzig’s overwhelming 6-1 victory away to dead-last Greuther Furth last time out made them the only side to score 6+ goals in three different matches this Bundesliga season, further adding to their confidence. ‘Die Roten Bullen’ also remain the only side in the Bundesliga history to hold Frankfurt winless in top-flight H2Hs in their own backyard (W3, D2), conceding under 1.5 goals in all five of those match-ups. Additionally, Domenico Tedesco’s men have picked up a whopping 22 points from the 27 available in the second half of the season, more than any other Bundesliga side. They have returned an outrageous +19 goal difference from that nine-game sequence.

In the meantime, Frankfurt have picked themselves up from a dismal run of three Bundesliga defeats without scoring, winning their last two league matches by an aggregate score of 6-2. But a lack of consistency has seen Eintracht alternate between winning and not winning across their last six away league games (W3, D1, L2), including losses to fellow top-half rivals Hoffenheim and Koln. Yet, even if they concede first, Oliver Glasner’s side should have enough character to avoid another failure. They’ve gained the second-most points from losing positions (14) this Bundesliga campaign. Unfortunately, Frankfurt’s overall Bundesliga record against Leipzig reads indifferently (W2, D6, L3), though they’ve only lost once in their last eight league H2Hs (W2, D5). Interestingly, each of their last three such match-ups have yielded the same 1-1 scoreline.

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Leicester City vs Brentford

Leicester City’s hopes of securing a fifth successive top-half Premier League finish are up in the air as they welcome fellow bottom-half rivals Brentford to the King Power Stadium.

Despite falling to a 2-1 away loss to Rennes in the return leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie in midweek, Leicester have qualified for the competition’s quarter-finals, courtesy of an aggregate 3-2 victory. However, things are not looking pretty for the East Midlands outfit in the Premier League, as they hover in 12th after experiencing mixed fortunes across their last four league outings (W2, L2). Before overcoming Leeds United 1-0 in their most recent Premier League home matches, the ‘Foxes’ had gone three consecutive league games at the King Power without winning (D2, L1). Seeking redemption for a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal last time out, Brendan Rodgers’ side will turn to their 100% win ratio against promoted clubs this season for inspiration (W3). Yet, history is not on their side here, as they’ve only won one of their ten home league H2Hs (D5, L4).

Meanwhile, Brentford have enjoyed an upturn in form in the build-up to this trip, going from back-to-back Premier League defeats to two consecutive league wins, both of which came by a two-goal margin. Those two victories are as many as they had in their previous 14 top-flight outings combined (W2, D2, L10). After tucking themselves in mid-table comforts, the ‘Bees’ will go after revenge in this one, having lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture at home. But before beating rock-bottom Norwich City 3-1 in their most recent Premier League travel, Thomas Frank’s side had lost five away league games in a row, failing to score three times in that run. Particularly dangerous from the set-pieces, Brentford have registered 50% of their Premier League goals this season from such plays (16/32).

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Monaco vs PSG

Stade Louis II is the venue as Monaco and PSG go head-to-head in a mouth-watering Ligue 1 showdown.

It has been a dismal month of March for Monaco thus far. They’ve followed up a disappointing Coupe de France semi-final exit at the hands of Nantes with a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Sporting Braga in the Europa League round of 16. Things are not looking any better for Philippe Clement’s side in Ligue 1, as they head into proceedings have failed to win their last four league games in a row (D2, L2). With no victory from their last two Ligue 1 matches at home (D1, L1), Monaco’s return to the Stade Louis II for the first time since late February could be meaningless. PSG’s visit to the French principality could put Clement under even more pressure, as ‘Les Monegasques’ have only won once in their last five top-flight meetings with this opposition (D2, L2).

Despite suffering another underwhelming European season, table-topping PSG are on the verge of recovering domestic supremacy from defending champions Lille. ‘Les Parisiens’ enter this round with a staggering 15-point lead on second-placed Marseille, having comfortably dispatched basement boys Bordeaux 3-0 last time out. Paris have developed a habit of faltering on hostile turf of late, with just three victories from their previous ten Ligue 1 away matches (D4, L3), including a brace of defeats in the build-up to this clash. Moreover, PSG have netted under 1.5 goals in five of their last six league fixtures outside the Parc des Princes, further underlining the lack of on-field understanding between their standout stars. Having lost this exact match-up 3-2 back in 2020/21, Paris may not necessarily defy their form wobble on the road.

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Juventus vs Salernitana

Title-bidding Juventus and rock-bottom Salernitana are set to lock horns in a high-stake Serie A encounter at the Allianz Stadium.

Rocked by a dismal 3-0 second-leg home defeat to Villarreal, which led to another premature Champions League elimination, Juventus will be desperate to respond swiftly. Back to Serie A, where they are unbeaten in their last 32 meetings with sides starting the day in the relegation zone (W28, D4), they are odds-on favourites to dispatch Salernitana. ‘I Bianconeri’ remain one of just two teams from Europe’s top-five leagues to go unbeaten in top-flight action since the start of December, having picked up nine wins from their 14 Serie A outings in that span (D5). Since going down 1-0 at the hands of Atalanta in November, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have won five of their subsequent seven Serie A home matches (D2), four of which via the identical 2-0 scoreline.

In the meantime, Salernitana’s faint hopes of avoiding relegation are still alive following an action-packed 2-2 draw at home to Sassuolo last time out. However, the visitors, who have drawn five of their last six Serie A games (L1), should start winning fast if they are to secure salvation. Davide Nicola’s men currently trail 17th-placed Cagliari by nine points, but with three games in hand, that looks like a bridgeable gap. The new manager has yet to address Salernitana’s defensive woes, though, with ‘I Granata’ failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 20 Serie A matches on the trot. In fact, they only have one top-flight shutout to their name this season, while they remain the only Serie A side to have conceded 60+ goals this term (63).

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Cadiz vs Villarreal

Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla is the venue as Cadiz and Villarreal go head-to-head in an intriguing La Liga encounter.

Cadiz’s uphill battle to avoid relegation took a hit last time out as a 2-1 defeat away to Atletico Madrid spelt the end for their four-match unbeaten La Liga run (W1, D3). Despite lamenting the league’s second-lowest win ratio of 14%, ‘El Submarino Amarillo’ could still secure salvation, with 17th-placed Mallorca only two points away. That’s mainly due to Cadiz’s propensity for drawing their league matches, with no other La Liga side playing out more stalemates than Sergio Gonzalez’s men (12) this season. But drawing may prove insufficient in this keenly-contested relegation battle, as the Andalusians seek only their second top-flight home victory this season (D8, L5) after dispatching Rayo Vallecano 2-0 last time out. Having won once in their previous six competitive H2Hs (D2, L3), Cadiz could miss out on their first back-to-back La Liga home triumphs since April 2021.

Brimming with confidence following an extravagant 3-0 victory at Juventus in midweek Champions League action, Villarreal will continue their top-four hunt in high spirits. A run of three wins from their last four La Liga matches (L1) has kept Unai Emery’s men within a six-point distance of fourth-placed Barcelona. The visitors have enjoyed a noticeable improvement on the road, racking up three triumphs across their last five away league games (L2), having won none of their previous nine travels in the competition beforehand (D5, L4). Villarreal have yet to lose to Cadiz in La Liga, but they’ve drawn four of their five such match-ups (W1). Against this backdrop, none of their last six La Liga away fixtures have ended level (W3, L3).

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Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid’s battle for a sought-after La Liga top-four finish continues this weekend as they travel to the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas to meet bottom-half Rayo Vallecano.

Underperforming Rayo Vallecano gave second-placed Sevilla a run for their money last time out, forcing Julen Lopetegui’s side to come from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw. After putting their frustrating six-game losing La Liga streak to bed, ‘Los Franjirrojos’ will look to live up to their reputation as ‘giant slayers,’ having already defeated Barcelona at home this term. That could be easier said than done, though, as Andoni Iraola’s men have yet to taste victory in La Liga action this calendar year (D2, L7), netting only three goals across those nine matches. What’s more, Vallecano have suffered six consecutive H2H defeats against Atletico since a goalless draw in August 2014, failing to find the net in each of the last five in a row.

In the meantime, Atletico Madrid head into this matchday in high spirits after ousting Manchester United for the Champions League in midweek to confirm their noticeable upturn in form. Since the news of Diego Simeone’s potential sacking first surfaced on the back of a 1-0 home loss to Levante in mid-February, ‘Los Colchoneros’ have strung together four league victories by an aggregate score of 10-2. Additionally, the defending La Liga champions have won their last two La Liga away matches after a five-game winless run on the road (D1, L4), scoring precisely three goals on both occasions. But ‘Los Rojiblancos’ have not been as indestructible as they used to be in recent years, having conceded at least once in 13 of their 14 La Liga away games this season.

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Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin

Bayern Munich will be looking to get their stuttering Bundesliga title defence back on track against mid-table Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena.

A brace of 1-1 draws with TSG Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen in Bayern Munich’s last two Bundesliga outings have reignited the title race in Germany’s top-flight. Seeking a record-extending tenth Bundesliga crown in a row, the ‘Bavarians’ will take a field holding a four-point lead on second-placed Borussia Dortmund. Julian Naglesmann’s men have a point to prove this weekend, and they can draw inspiration from their stellar home season. Indeed, only ‘Die Borussen’ (85%) boast a higher win rate in home fixtures than Bayen (77%) this Bundesliga campaign. The reigning champions have racked up ten wins from their 13 home league outings this term (D1, L2), but their home form since the calendar year flipped to 2022 reads indifferently (W2, D1, L1). With no defeat from their five all-time top-flight H2Hs (W3, D2), Bayern could improve that record here.

In the meantime, Union Berlin’s hopes of landing back-to-back European finishes for the first time in the club’s history are up in the air as they sit six points adrift of sixth-placed Hoffenheim. Urs Fischer’s team head into proceedings in the midst of a rough patch after losing each of their last three away league matches without scoring. Yet, after getting on the scoresheet in both previous visits to the Allianz Arena, Union should feel comfortable about their scoring prospects. However, Berlin’s defensive woes remain a reason for concern, as they have only kept one clean sheet across their 13 Bundesliga travels this season. Conceding first could put this fixture beyond Union’s reach, given that they’ve only won one of nine Bundesliga away games in which they shipped the opener this term (D2, L6).

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Hertha Berlin vs TSG Hoffenheim

Hertha Berlin’s hopes of avoiding Bundesliga relegation are hanging by a thread as they welcome high-flying TSG Hoffenheim at the Olympiastadion.

Hertha look to be sinking without a trace after a run of five consecutive Bundesliga defeats took their winless league streak to a staggering nine matches (D2, L7). Owners of the longest ongoing losing run in the Bundesliga, ‘Die Adler’ stare down the barrel of a sixth top-flight loss in a row for the first time since 2012. Newly-appointed boss Felix Magath will have to wait for a while to make his touchline debut after testing positive for Covid-19. Magath’s absence could spell more problems for Hertha, who are experiencing their worst start to the second half of the Bundesliga season since 1990/91. Signs are ominous, as the last time they won two points from their first nine top-flight games in the second half of the campaign, they were relegated.

Unlike their hosts, Hoffenheim are flying high in the Bundesliga, even though an enthralling 1-1 home draw with record-time champions Bayern Munich last time out knocked them down from a four-game winning league streak. The visitors have amassed the club-joint second-best 44 Bundesliga points so far. They are only one point adrift of third-placed Bayer Leverkusen, meaning their Champions League ambitions are still very much alive. ‘Die Kraichgauer’ have developed a habit of grinding out results in the second half of the season, with no other Bundesliga side winning more points from losing positions than Hoffenheim (9) in that period. They will show up in Berlin in a confident mood after losing just one of their last 12 Bundesliga meetings with Hertha (W8, D3) and running out 2-0 victors in the reverse fixture back in October.

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Inter Milan vs Fiorentina

Stakes are high as Inter Milan and Fiorentina go head-to-head in a tasty-looking Serie A showdown at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Inter Milan’s crumbling Serie A title defence suffered another setback last time out as Alexis Sanchez’s last-gasp equaliser handed the reigning champions a 1-1 draw at bottom-half Torino. Except for a landslide 5-0 victory over basement boys Salernitana in their most recent home league outing, ‘I Nerazzurri’ are winless in five of their last six Serie A matches (D3, L2). Inter’s dismal run of form has seen them drop four points adrift of pacesetters AC Milan. But with a game in hand, Simone Inzaghi’s men are very much in contention to win back-to-back domestic crowns for the first time since 2009/10. Fiorentina’s visit to Meazza could swing momentum in Inter’s direction, as they’ve won 16 of their last 19 top-flight H2Hs on home turf (D1, L2).

In the meantime, Fiorentina eked out a narrow 1-0 home triumph over Bologna last weekend to snap a run of successive Serie A games without winning (D1, L1) and maintain their hopes of securing European football for next season. Sitting two points adrift of sixth-placed Roma, ‘La Viola’ will have to dig dip to defy their underwhelming five-game Serie A form away from home (D2, L2) and bounce back from a 2-1 loss at Sassuolo last time out. However, Vincenzo Italiano’s men have been struggling defensively on hostile turf this season, having failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last ten Serie A away matches. Therefore, Fiorentina look unlikely to improve their road form here, especially after losing three of their last four top-flight visits to sides currently sitting above them in the standings.

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Napoli vs Udinese

Napoli will be aiming to maintain the grip on top-placed AC Milan when they encounter bottom-half Udinese in a must-win Serie A match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli’s hopes of wrapping up their elusive first Scudetto since 1989/90 received a boost last weekend, courtesy of a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Hellas Verona. But a lack of consistency continues to torment head coach Luciano Spalletti, with ‘I Partenopei’ picking up only two wins from their last five Serie A matches (D2, L1). Before falling to a 1-0 defeat to Milan in their top-table six-point, Napoli had gone three home league games without losing (W2, D1) despite scoring precisely one goal twice in that spread of fixtures. Yet, they go into this encounter as odds-on favourites, having won each of their last seven top-flight H2Hs in Naples by an aggregate score of 22-7. But Spalletti’s men haven’t kept a clean sheet in three of their four home league outings in 2022, which has been the case in their last four Serie A H2Hs in southern Italy.

On the other hand, Udinese’s run of four league matches without defeat (W1, D3) has bolstered their bid to ensure Serie A survival come May, as they enter this round harbouring an eight-point lead on 18th-placed Venezia. Interestingly, each of those three draws yielded the same 1-1 scoreline, seeing Udinese hold the likes of Milan, Lazio and Roma winless. However, only Salernitana (8) and Torino (10) have accrued fewer away points than Udinese (11) this Serie A season, with Gabriele Cioffi’s side alternating between draws (2) and defeats (2) across their last four top-flight travels. A lack of firepower up front saw ‘I Friulani’ firing blanks on three occasions during that four-game sequence, which could be a massive problem against the league’s best defensive side.

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Deportivo Alaves vs Granada

Estadio Mendizorrotza is the venue as 19^th-placed Deportivo Alaves and 17^th-palced Granada go head-to-head in a La Liga relegation six-pointer.

Deportivo Alaves cannot catch a break, as after going winless in their last four La Liga outings (D2, L2), they enter this round trailing bottom-placed survivours Granada by three points. But a victory in this H2H could turn things around for Alaves, who have only won two of their last seven top-flight meetings with this opposition (L5). On the bright side, ‘El Glorioso’ are unbeaten in seven of their eight home H2Hs in all competitions (W4, L3), winning two of their three such match-ups in La Liga (L1). Worryingly, though, since the appointment of Jose Luis Mendilibar as the new head coach back in December, Alaves have managed just one win from their ten La Liga matches (D4, L5), failing to get on the scoresheet six times in the process.

Meanwhile, things are not looking pretty for Granada, even though they are still floating above the bottom three. With no win from their ten La Liga fixtures (D3, L7), the visitors are experiencing their longest winless streak in Spain’s top-flight since a run of 13 in 2016/17 when they ominously suffered relegation to the Segunda Division. Playing away from home has been a nightmare for Granada, as they’ve won none of their last eight La Liga games on the road (D3, L5), including four successive defeats in the build-up to this travel. Since the calendar year flipped to 2022, the ‘Nazaries’ have failed to score in three of their five away league fixtures. Indeed, only three sides have netted fewer goals on hostile turf than Granada (11) this La Liga season.

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Elche vs Valencia

Elche and Valencia are set to trade tackles in a mid-table La Liga fixture at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

Despite their indifferent four-game La Liga form (W2, L2), Elche find themselves tucked in mid-table comforts, eight points clear of relegation-threatened Cadiz. After claiming an all-important 1-0 victory away to Granada last time out, Francisco’s side could post back-to-back top-flight wins for the second time in 2022. However, Elche’s recent H2H La Liga record against Valencia suggests otherwise, as ‘Los Franjiverdes’ have succumbed to a staggering 16 defeats in their last 19 such match-ups (W2, D1), including a 2-1 loss in the reverse fixture at Mestalla. There is a silver lining for the hosts, though, as they’ve racked up four triumphs from their six home league outings under Francisco’s stewardship (D1, L1), having won just one of their six previous such fixtures (W1, D4, L2) under former boss Fran Escriba.

In the meantime, Valencia’s run of consecutive La Liga wins was brought to a halt last time out, courtesy of an uneventful goalless draw away to Getafe. But the visitors have shown signs of improvement following an underwhelming start to the season, picking up three victories from their last seven La Liga away matches (D1, L3), as many as in their previous 37 road trips in the competition beforehand (D12, L22). ‘Los Murcielagos’ must be lining up another success at Elche after winning five of their last seven La Liga away H2Hs (L2), though both of those defeats came in three encounters in the 21st century. Conceding first may not necessarily dent Valencia’s chances of taking home all three points. Jose Bordalas’ men have rescued a league-high ten points from losing positions away from home this La Liga season (W3, D1, L4).

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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leeds United

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ exciting home meeting with bottom-half Leeds United at Molineux Stadium will serve to get the Premier League Matchday 30 underway.

A couple of comprehensive triumphs over Watford and Everton, each by 2+ goals ‘to nil,’ got Wolverhamtpon’s European bid back on track, the hosts head into proceedings trailing sixth-placed West Ham by a mare two points. Before winning back-to-back Premier League matches, Wolves had lost three in a row by an aggregate score of 5-1, highlighting their topsy-turvy form this calendar year. However, before being held to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at Elland Road, Wolves had racked up five consecutive H2H triumphs over Leeds in English league football. What’s more, the ‘Wanderers’ have gone unbeaten in nine successive top-flight H2Hs at home since a 2-0 defeat in 1973, winning each of the last five in a row, including a narrow 1-0 victory in this exact match-up in 2029/21.

On the other hand, Leeds’ hopes of securing Premier League survival were handed a massive boost last weekend as they eked out a 2-1 home win over rock-bottom Norwich City to end a run of six straight league losses. But winning Premier League outings in succession has been a daunting task for the ‘Whites’ this season, with Jesse Marsch’s side achieving that feat only once so far. Moreover, they have lost their last three away league games by an aggregate score of 10-0. Another defeat ‘to nil’ would see Leeds equal the club’s unwanted record of four consecutive away league losses without scoring dating back to 1927. The Yorkshire visitors have faltered defensively, having failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 15 Premier League fixtures. Indeed, no side has conceded more goals than Leeds (65) this Premier League season.

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Galatasaray vs Barcelona

Barcelona’s hopes of landing the only missing European accolade are on the line as they travel to the Nef Stadium to take on Galatasaray in the second leg of their evenly-poised Europa League last-16 tie.

A scoreless first-leg draw at Camp Nou maintained Galatasaray’s hopes of a first European title in 22 years. The Turkish heavyweights go into proceedings in a confident mood after dispatching fierce domestic rivals Besiktas 2-1 earlier this week. However, there is no room for complacency. Galatasaray had lost six consecutive European fixtures against Spanish opponents by an aggregate score of 21-2 before holding Barcelona goalless last time out. Domenec Torrent’s men have been nothing short of outstanding defensively in the Europa League proper this term, keeping five clean sheets across their seven matches in the competition. Adding to Galatasaray’s confidence, they boast an eye-catching 75% conversion rate across two-legged knock-out ties after drawing the first leg on the road, having won 12 out of 16 such contests.

In the meantime, Barcelona’s thumping 4-0 home triumph over Osasuna at the weekend has lifted the visitors’ spirits ahead of this trip. The Spaniards will have to make sure to lace up their scoring boots after experiencing mixed fortunes across their seven previous continental visits to Turkey (W3, D1, L3). What’s more, the ‘Blaugrana’ may have swept Napoli aside with a comprehensive 4-2 win away from home in the return leg of their Europa League last-32 tie, but it was only their second victory across their last 12 springtime European fixtures on hostile turf (D4, L6). Against this backdrop, Xavi Hernandez’s men have turned on a beast mode in their recent road trips, clocking up four wins from their last five away games in all competitions (D1). Yet, it’s worth noting that Barcelona’s overall record in two-legged knock-out ties after drawing the first leg at home reads indifferently (W6, L6).

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West Ham United vs Sevilla

London Stadium is the venue as Sevilla and West Ham United go head-to-head in the return leg of their mouth-watering Europa League last-16 tie.

Munir El Haddadi’s second-half winner gave Sevilla a 1-0 first-leg win in Andalusia, putting West Ham in an awkward spot going into the second leg. But after beating Aston Villa 2-1 at home over the weekend to snap a frustrating three-game losing streak in all competitions, David Moyes’ side will feel confident about overturning a narrow deficit. Despite taking the field on the back foot, the ‘Hammers’ can draw confidence from the fact they’ve ousted Spanish opponents in both previous European ties. However, this will be their first such contest in the 21st century. Since moving to the London Stadium, the Premier League giants haven’t drawn any of their five European home matches (W3, L2). West Ham’s overall home record in European action reads encouragingly (W19, D3, L6).

Meanwhile, Sevilla’s first-leg advantage could be the only thing going their way at this point. After being held to a 1-1 draw at out-of-sorts La Liga rivals Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, ‘Los Rojiblancos’ are winless in their last seven competitive away matches (D5, L2), netting under 1.5 goals on each occasion. Indeed, a lacklustre 1-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie made it zero victories from their last five continental travels (D3, L2), three of which saw Sevilla fail to get on the scoresheet. Additionally, the Andalusian giants have picked up just one victory from their eight European visits to English clubs (D4, L3), courtesy of a 2-1 win over Manchester United in the return leg of their 2017/18 Champions League round-of-16 tie.

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