The French Connection / Andrew French / 26 March 2009 /

A weekend of World Cup qualifiers and international friendly matches produces a mass of fixtures all around the globe - but I am staying much closer to home for my treble.

Being married to a Dublin girl, I've had to take endless ribbing from her brothers as every time I have written off their chances, the Republic of Ireland have continued to punch above their weight. That may have slowed somewhat from the initial surge provided by the Jack Charlton era. But for a country of relatively small size and whose players almost exclusively play abroad, the Republic have achieved some amazing things over the past few years.

Although we are well over a year away from the finals, the Irish can take a huge step towards booking their tickets to South Africa if they can beat Bulgaria at Croke Park. Giovanni Trappatoni's team are level at the top of Group 8 with Italy, while the Bulgarians have laboured their way to three draws from their opening trio of games - leaving them seven points adrift of Ireland, a margin that will be extended to 10 with a home victory this weekend.

The loss of Dimitar Berbatov is huge for the Bulgarians - but notwithstanding that, their away draws against the likes of Montenegro and Georgia do not suggest they will overturn the Irish, who are very hard to beat at home, even given the temporary move away from Lansdowne Road.

Therefore, back Ireland at [1.85].

A little further north, and already Northern Ireland are starting to face games where a win is a must. Seven points from five games is not a bad return and they currently sit second in Group 3 - but their two wins have come against whipping boys San Marino and they have already lost on the road in Slovakia and Slovenia.

Home games are looking essential then, so victory over Poland this weekend looks hugely important if they are not to leave themselves needing to chase points when they head on their travels again.

Poland are no slouches, as their 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in October highlighted. But they too have been beaten in Slovakia, and a win here for the Irish would see them open a three-point cushion over the Poles. With so much importance on winning at Windsor Park, I'm backing a victory for Nigel Worthington's side at [3.49].

When you are in a group that also includes Germany and Russia, the chances of finishing in the top two look pretty daunting from the outset. However, Wales have given an excellent account of themselves so far in Group 4, losing narrowly in away games at both of those giant nations.

With those very difficult away trips now behind them, John Toshack's boys have the chance to pick up points on home soil, and they really must take all three when Finland visit this weekend.

Earlier in the season, the Finns claimed a fine 3-3 draw with Germany, but then reverted to type by being beaten 3-0 by the Russians. A Welsh victory would take them five points clear of Finland and keep them in touch with Russia, who must be the team they hope to overhaul.
Again, home advantage must be made to tell - so back Wales at [2.24].

:

:

:

?

: