Euro 2008 Qualification Preview

Euro 2008 Qualification Preview From Sports Index

This what the "experts" think about the forth-coming Euro 2008 qualifying matches:

England v Macedonia (Saturday: 17:00 BBC 1)

England came away from Skopje with a hard-fought 1-0 win last month but Sporting Index reckon it should be an easier affair this time round. The Three Lions are predicted to win this by 2.5 to 2.7 goals. These two met in England under similar circumstances four years ago, which ended in an embarrassing 2-2 draw. Sporting reckon there'll be another flurry of goalmouth action, especially with nine goals in the last two matches played at Old Trafford - they have a spread of 3.3 to 3.5 total goals in the match. Former West Brom midfielder Artim Sakiri scored directly from a corner during that match and he could be the Macedonians' danger man, as well as Lazio playmaker Goran Pandev. Srecko Katenec?s side are renowned for their playacting abilities, which England will need to be wary of. Markus Merk likes to stamp his authority early on in the game and is predicted to show 4 yellow cards.

Scotland v France (Saturday: 17:00 Sky Sports 1)

Scotland and France lock horns for Group B's top of the table clash, and both have taken maximum points from their opening matches. The Tartan Army surprised many with a fine performance away to Lithuania; Kenny Miller's 62nd minute goal turned out to be the winner but he'll miss this one through suspension. Walter Smith has a whole host of injuries which leaves him with an inexperienced team. Raymond Domenech has fitness worries over Saha and Govou, who netted a brace against Italy in their last match. Despite McFadden and Barry Ferguson returning to the side, Sporting Index reckon the World Cup finalists will win by one goal. Although the Scots lost 5-0 to France in their most recent encounter, Sporting don't envisage a similar goal spree ? they predict two to three goals in total this time. The French are feisty opposition and all eyes will be on the midfield tussle between Ferguson and Viera. It could be a busy afternoon for the Swiss referee, and Sporting estimate he'll caution four players.

Wales v Slovakia (Saturday: 15:00 Sky Sports 1)

On paper, Wales should win this one. Slovakia lost 3-0 at home to the Czech Republic which will give Toshack's team some comfort given that they were beaten by the Czech's only by a last minute goal. Although Giggs will miss out for the first time in two years through injury, the creative talents of Koumas will be relied upon. He can make the difference with his superb range of passing which the likes of Bellamy and Earnshaw thrive on. Sporting have them to shade this by 0 to 0.2 goals. Cardiff's Paul Parry has been in excellent form on the wing this season and he can provide new captain Bellamy with the ammunition he needs. Wales however have struggled for goals, scoring once in their last three international matches. Sporting find it hard to see where the goals could come from and reckon there'll be 2.2 to 2.4 total goals - though Slovakia did whack six past Cyprus last month!