Saturday World Cup qualifiers predictions: betting preview & free football tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's European World Cup qualifiers.

Where to watch

Sky Sports from 2pm

Best bets

Czech Republic or draw double chance 7.45pm
1pt 6-5 bet365

Turkey draw no bet 5pm
1pt 11-10Betfred

Slovenia or draw double chance 2pm
1pt 11-10 BoyleSports, Hills

Czech Republic v Belgium

Belgium advanced to Euro 2020 with ten straight wins and a goal difference of plus 37, but their path to World Cup 2022 looks less straightforward and they might struggle to justify favouritism against Czech Republic in their Group E encounter in Prague.

Roberto Martinez's team triumphed 3-1 at home to Wales on Wednesday but face another key contest against the Czechs, who opened up with a rampant 6-2 success in Estonia.

It is too early to discount Wales, who were semi-finalists at Euro 2016, but the Czechs' clash with Belgium feels like a big game and the winners will know they have early control of the section.

Czech Republic have had some lean years since reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2004 and have not appeared at a World Cup finals since their group-stage exit at Germany 2006.

However, they have a talented generation coming through and caught the eye with a 2-1 home victory over England during Euro 2020 qualifying.

Seven of their 26-man squad ply their trade for Slavia Prague and that is a good sign bearing in mind the positive impression the Czech champions are making on this season's Europa League.

A former Slavia player – West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek – popped up with a hat-trick in the win over Estonia and should have a key role to play on the road to Qatar.

Belgium have the edge in terms of individual quality with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku capable of producing match-winning moments but Martinez's team played in fits and starts against Wales and any loss of focus could be punished in Prague.

Norway v Turkey

Turkey put down an early marker in Group with their stunning 4-2 victory at home to the Netherlands and look overpriced to follow up with a victory over Norway in Malaga.

The switch of venue from Oslo to neutral Spain was taken due to coronavirus travel restrictions and looks likely to make life more difficult for Norway, who were unbeaten in five home games in Euro 2020 qualifying Group F.

Norway started their campaign with a routine 3-0 success away to Gibraltar but it may have came at a cost because captain Martin Odegaard suffered a twisted ankle and was substituted at half-time.

Odegaard has missed training in the build-up to this fixture and if he is unable to play it will be a major blow for manager Stale Solbakken.

Norway will be looking for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haland to make an impact but their defence could struggle to contain a talented Turkish side, who pulled off a counter-attacking masterclass against the Dutch.

Lille target man Burak Yilmaz helped himself to a hat-trick in the Turks' impressive midweek success and his eye for goal could heavily influence the outcome.

Russia v Slovenia

Slovenia pulled off one of the most eye-catching results on qualifying matchday one – winning 1-0 at home to Group H top seeds Croatia – and have every chance of picking up another point or three against Russia in Sochi.

The Slovenians managed the game impressively against Croatia, giving up just four shots on target, and can trouble the Russians, who made hard work of their 3-1 success away to minnows Malta.

Russia's clash against the Maltese was in the balance until Aleksandr Sobolev's 90th-minute goal and the final shot count (11 to nine in Russia's favour) was indicative of a contest which was far too close for comfort.

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