EURO 2008 Qualifiers Predictions

Ok, so its got nothing to do with YTM, but I thought I would share my thoughts on this weekend's fixtures with you. More specifically, my predictions for the matches involving the home nations... There are some tough fixtures for all teams to grapple with over the next week, and a loss on saturday could prove to be the beginning of the end in the quest for a place in Austria/Switzerland 2008. Here goes...

Scotland vs France
Start with the Scots. They are unbeaten so far in their qualifying group, and that is no mean feat in international football, regardless of the opposition. France come into the game unbeaten too, buoyed by their excellent performance in the World Cup, and looking for a straightforward qualification.
Hampden Park will be a sea of Dark Blue and Tartan on Saturday, and the Scots will do everything to keep the threat of Henry, Ribery, Trezeguet and co. at bay. They also have players with the ability to unlock the French backline. However, I believe that the French will be wary of this, and will prove to be too strong for them on the night.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win

Cyprus vs Rep of Ireland
The Irish Republic have a lot of ability in their squad, and yet they constantly fail to deliver the goods over a prolongued Qualifying campaign. Steve Staunton will have to watch this game from the stands as he has been banned from the touchline. More pressure has therefore been added onto Robbie Keane's shoulders, and I am sure that he will grab the opportunity with both hands. If Ireland are to win, then I believe that Keane will be the man who makes it happen. On the other hand, Ireland's record cannot be hidden from, and Staunton has stated that he would not be too disheartened if they came away from Cyprus with a point. Good thing that...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Score Draw

Wales vs Slovakia
The Czech Republic's late winner against the Welsh was a cruel blow, after they had played so well throughout the game. However, Boss John Toshack is the man to get Wales back on track, and a home game against Slovakia is just the tonic. Tosh has been saying all the right things, that he respects his opponents, and that they are 'Dark Horses' for the group. However, he will know deep down that this is a match that his Wales team can win, and they will be going for it on Saturday. With the absence of Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy has been given the captain's armband. How Bellamy reacts to this may very well determine the end result. I think Bellamy will rise to the challenge, and a much needed victory will be down to him.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win

England vs Macedonia
England coach Steve McLaren has blasted newspaper reports this morning claiming that the players were being too influential in the picking of the team. There has been talk of McLaren reverting to a 5-3-2 formation with wing-backs. However, this now appears unlikely, and a more traditional 4-4-2 will prevail. Regardless of which formation McLaren decides on, England should win this at a canter. Make no mistake, Macedonia are a good national side, but England's strength at the back, and home advantage, should be enough.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win

Denmark vs N Ireland
Northern Irish football is on a high at the moment. The buzz has not yet gone from the historic 3-2- defeat of Spain, and David Healy's magnificent hat-trick. However, their excellent victory might in truth turn out to be a curse on their qualifying campaign. They are now known as the 'giant-killers', and because of this everyone will be doing just a little extra homework on the boys from Belfast.
Nortern Ireland do have some very good players. Healy is the obvious standout. Granted, I am a Leeds fan, but to be honest I think he should be playing a little higher up than where Leeds are at the moment! Ireland will be raring to go with their spirits up, but the Danes are a solid outfit, and I expect Laurie Sanchez' men to hit a Danish brick wall on Saturday.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win

There you have it! Good luck to all of the home nations this weekend. I hope that I am wrong and we get five wins out of five!
Any comments on my predictions? Please post your comments and I will reply!

Dave @ YTM HQ