Michael Owen’s World Cup qualifier predictions, including England v Slovenia

Belgium are the only European nation – apart from hosts Russia – to have already qualified for next summer’s World Cup, but England are on the brink and may need just one point from their final two group games, beginning with the visit of Slovenia to Wembley on Thursday, to guarantee their place in Russia 2018. Former England striker and BetVictor brand ambassador Michael Owen has shared his thoughts on this week’s ties involving the home nations.

England v Slovenia

England were held to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture twelve months ago, but I don’t expect any slip-ups from Gareth Southgate’s side given Slovenia have struggled to score goals on the road in qualification. Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak has conceded just twice in his last six internationals in the Slovenian goal and the Three Lions may have to be patient, but the visitors have to get something from the game if they are to stand any realistic chance of qualifying for Russia.

Harry Kane has been in sensational form for club and country of late and the bottom line is Slovenia don’t have a player of his quality in their ranks.

Michael’s Prediction: England 3-0 Slovenia

Scotland v Slovakia

Scotland are unbeaten in their last five World Cup qualifiers at home and must beat Slovakia at Hampden to have any chance of reaching the Finals. Slovakia had won five qualifiers on the bounce before losing at Wembley last month and this promises to be a tight, tetchy affair. The Scots will leapfrog Slovakia with a win and I feel they will just edge it in a game where I hope and expect the Hampden Park crowd to play its part.

Michael’s Prediction: Scotland 2-0 Slovakia

Northern Ireland v Germany

Northern Ireland remain the only side to do the double over Germany in qualification for a major tournament although, in fairness, it was a very long time ago – qualifiers for the 1984 Euros. Michael O’Neill has done a magnificent job with his squad and has got every ounce from his players, but his side lack the quality of the World Champions, who are unbeaten in their last 17 games in all competitions.

Northern Ireland are guaranteed to finish in the top two and mathematically they could yet finish top, but realistically next month’s playoffs will decide whether Northern Ireland qualify for Russia next summer.

Michael’s Prediction: Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany

Georgia v Wales

Wales have lost just one of their last 20 qualifying matches for major tournaments but they have drawn five of their eight ties for next year’s World Cup and need to win in Tbilisi to maintain their lead over Ireland before the vital game between the sides in Cardiff on Monday.

Chris Coleman’s side have only won one of their last seven on the road and, following the news that Gareth Bale is out for the World Cup qualifiers this week, I feel they will again have to settle for a point in Georgia.

Michael’s Prediction: Georgia 1-1 Wales

Republic of Ireland v Moldova

Martin O’Neil’s side looked to have one foot in Russia earlier in the year, but they are without a win in their last four although they should have too much for a Moldova side who are without a win in their last 18 Euro and World Cup qualifiers. Ireland will be hoping Wales slip up in Tbilisi and what an occasion it promises to be when the two sides meet in Cardiff on Monday night.

Michael’s Prediction: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Moldova

Michael Owen is a brand ambassador for BetVictor. For more tips from Michael read his column here.

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