The World Cup in Russia is looming large in 2018 and with the automatic qualification group stages complete, attention turns to the final round of qualifying in November.
The play-offs will take place during the November 2017 international window for the 8 European contenders following the draw being completed in Zurich on Tuesday.
Each tie will take place over two legs with the winners qualifying for the premier tournament in world football. The first-leg ties take place between November 9th and 11th with the decisive second legs being played between November 12th and 14th.
Northern Ireland are trying to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1986 in Mexico and they face Switzerland who finished their group in second place, behind European Champions Portugal. Michael O’Neill’s men had a remarkable qualification campaign and they will be looking to build on their strong form in this crucial tie. Northern Ireland are 9/4 with Marathon Bet to win the first leg at Windsor Park whilst the Swiss will fancy their chances at 9/5 with Paddy Power. The draw looks a very savvy bet at 21/10 with Ladbrokes. You can check the ladbrokes free bet review online and bet on odds of Northern Ireland and Switzerland qualifying for the 2018 world cup. The bookies can click here to review the brand and see the best betting offers.
Neighbours Republic of Ireland, are looking to reach their first World Cup since 2002 and came through a tricky qualifying group – eliminating Wales – to get this far. Denmark await for the boys in Green and the Danes too had an excellent group phase – finishing second behind Poland. The Republic travel to Copenhagen for the first leg and they are 5/2 with Bet 365 to leave with all three points whilst Denmark will be looking to make home advantage count at 7/4 with William Hill. First legs are often cagey affairs meaning the draw looks good value at 21/10 with Betfair. You can access many alternative markets and bet on the 2018 World Cup.
The marquee tie of the qualification phase is Sweden vs Italy. The Swedes are missing their talismanic Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic but performed beyond expectation to finish second in Group A – four points behind group winners France. Italy’s route to the qualification stage was less notable, their only defeat came at the hands of Spain and once again Gian Piero Ventura’s men will have to secure their place at Russia via the play-offs.
Sweden will be looking to utilise their home fixture straight away and their underdog status is recognised in their odds of 7/2 with Betway to win the first leg at the Friends Arena in Stockholm. The Azzuri are one of the best teams in international football and start as deserved favourites at 17/10 with Coral to take a first leg lead home whilst an opening leg draw is always good value – best priced 2/1 with Stan James.
Croatia and Greece complete the qualification line up in what promises to be another entertaining encounter. Croatia were very unlucky to miss out from Group I – finishing 2 points behind eventual winners Iceland whilst Greece upset the form book in Group H by finishing in second place above Bosnia and Herzegovina. Greece have appeared in 3 world cups and reached the last 16 in 2014 whilst Croatia are vying to feature in their 4th – their best finish coming 20 years ago – 3rd place at France 1998.
Croatia have a superior FIFA ranking and start as heavy favourites for this one – 3/5 with Betfair whilst Greece look to have it all to do at 6/1 with Sky Bet. Sporting Bet are offering 3/1 on the first leg between the two sides being a draw.
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