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World Cup 2010

World Cup 2010: Scotland, Northern Ireland and Rep Ireland all capable of messing up just like England

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Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch looks at the tasks that await the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is well aware that noone is guaranteed three points on day one of qualifying.

Judging by the tabloid coverage, you'd think that it was only England football team that will be in action this weekend. The truth is that all the nations that comprise our isles, are also involved in World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday and are every bit as capable of making a mess of things as England.

Scotland will have high hopes for their World Cup campaign having narrowly missing out on the European Championships, despite having to rub qualifying shoulders with Italy and France.

The biggest opposition to Scotland's hopes this time round comes in the shape of Holland, but before thoughts of giant killing and Archie Gemmill are brought into play, the Scots must first focus on a difficult away clash with Macedonia.

Craig Burley's hopes of getting off to a flying start have been dealt a cruel blow, after a succession of players dropped out of the squad through injury. A total of six players have had to withdraw, with Rangers defender David Weir the most notable of the absentees.

These withdrawals came on top of long term injuries to Alan Hutton and Barry Ferguson. A nation of Scotland's size can barely afford to lose players of such quality and the result is a squad lacking experience, particularly in defence.

Burley has targeted a total of 17 points to qualify, which would require Scotland to win their home games and pick up a few points on the road. I fear that Scotland will get no more than a point against Macedonia and the draw is available to back at [3.3], with Macedonia [2.92] and Scotland [2.72].

Northern Ireland have been given a tough qualifying draw, but not so tough that they won't harbour outside hopes of making the top two, with the Czech Republic and Poland providing the main opposition.

Nigel Worthington's squad travel to Bratislava for their opener, where they will face a stern test against Slovakia. Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty is the only injured member of the squad, though he may regain fitness for the midweek match against the Czech Republic.

The Irish will take heart from their display in the recent friendly against Scotland, where they claimed a 0-0 draw, despite going down to ten men. Indeed, they could have nicked it, but for Allan McDonald saving a penalty from David Healey.

Northern Ireland's best hope of getting near to a qualifying spot, is for Healey to continue his phenomenal scoring record at international level. Healey has 34 goals from 65 games for Northern Ireland, which is a statistic that will make baffling reading for fans of his former clubs, Preston, Leeds, and Fulham.

Slovakia are the [1.87] favourites, with the draw [3.65] and Northern Ireland [4.9]. Worthington would be delighted with a point, so I would expect his team to be cautious and try to hit Slovakia on the break. The defensive stability of Johnny Evans at centre back, may prove just as important as Healey's goals.

The Republic of Ireland have a broader group of top flight players, than either Scotland or Northern Ireland and will hope that the experience of Giovanni Trapattoni can get the best out of them.

Unlike most international managers, who guard their team selection right up to kick off, Trapattoni is willing to let it all hang out and has named his team early for Ireland's trip to Georgia.

There is only one change from the recent friendly against Norway. Reading's Stephen Hunt replaces the injured Damien Duff and will look to replicate the form for the Republic that so far he's only produced in cameo appearances from the bench.

When it comes to goals, Ireland will once again look to their talisman Robbie Keane. The Republic's captain is clearly feeling pressured by his lack of goals thus far at club level and may find a sojourn on the international stage will do him good. Alongside him, Trapattoni will hope that Kevin Doyle has gotten over his annoyance that Reading didn't pick up the phone, when Tottenham came calling on transfer deadline day.

The Republic can be backed at [1.8] to start their campaign with an away victory, with Georgia at [5.6] and the draw at [3.7]. I feel that the price for an Ireland win is a little short, but that they will still come away with the full points.