October international break has arrived and the World Cup qualifiers are getting closer to an end. Many national teams around the globe are still in a race for securing their spot in Russia next summer. Among them are seven Manchester United players will be in action on Thursday.
Four Devils Representing Three Lions
England will be in action on Thursday. Their match at Wembley against Slovenia could prove decisive in reaching the World Cup. A win will mean Slovakia being too far behind with a match to play. However, with a five points difference between the two teams, England might go through even without beating Slovenia.
However, four Manchester United players will be there to prevent that from happening. Marcus Rashford, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jesse Lingard are part of this Gareth Southgate’s squad. Both Rashford and Jones could start in a night that could bring the tickets for a summer trip in Russia.
Wild prediction: A 3-0 win with Rashford setting up two goals
Armenia In Poland’s Way To A World Cup In Neighbourhood
Situation in Group E of European qualifying zone is getting heated up nicely. With two matches to play, three teams have a great chance of finishing top of the group. Denmark is first with 19 points, followed by Montenegro and Denmark with 16 points and completely equal goal difference.
That is where Armenia come into equation. Henrikh Mkhitaryan will once again lead the team that has collected mere six points in eight matches. Armenia’s two wins came against Kazakhstan and winning a point against Poland would be a big upset, but also a blessing for Montenegro and Denmark.
Wild prediction: Mkhitaryan scoring the late winner from outside of the box
Argentina Search For A Qualification This Way Or Another
The situation in South America is as complicated as it gets. Argentina is sitting in fifth place with 24 points, just three points behind second placed Uruguay and just four points in front of eighth placed Ecuador.
Los Albicelestes will go to a play-off if they stay where they are now, but a win against Peru should propel their chances. Peru is sitting in fourth with as many points and a win in direct clash should do wonders. In goal for Argentina is going to be Manchester United’s goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
He should help the team with composure, but Argentina’s biggest problems are in front of opposition goal. They scored just 16 goals in 16 matches and if they want to visit Russia next year, they must improve in final two matches of the qualifiers.
Wild prediction: Sergio Romero saves two penalties in a 1-0 win
Valencia and Ecuador Full Of Hope In Home Of South American Champions
Another player in playing in CONMEBOL qualifiers on Thursday night is Antonio Valencia. One of the senior Manchester United players will try to help Ecuador make a miracle.
They play in Chile, searching for a victory that could leave them in the race for at least the fifth place. That would get them to a play-off against New Zealand. Chile are not doing well either, sitting in sixth and this match could solve many things before the final day of the campaign next week.
Wild Prediction: Valencia chips in a Panenka-styled penalty to make Chile miserable
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