10 Bold Predictions for World Cup Qualifying This Weekend

World Cup qualification returns this weekend, and there could be a few interesting results and movements to look forward to. 

Each confederation is in its final stages of the qualification process, which means results are even more important now. Only five teams have qualified for the competition so far.

Brazil, the hosts, and Asian sides Japan, South Korea, Iran and Australia. New Zealand waits patiently for its CONCACAF playoff opponent, but who that opponent will be may not be settled until the last round.

This weekend brings us one step closer to knowing who will qualify for the tournament, so let's take a look at 10 bold predictions for the upcoming World Cup qualification games.

There May Be Surprising Results and Changes in Group Standings This Weekend

There could be a few surprises this weekend across all the confederations.

Costa Rica has the ability to beat the US Men's National Team, and home advantage on their side in CONCACAF. If that happens, the Central American side would end up in first place in qualifying.

There are a few tight matchups in Africa, with a number of first and second place teams facing off, and others looking for a helping hand. Ghana versus Zambia is the biggest, and most exciting of the bunch, Tunisia versus Cape Verde and Nigeria versus Malawi are also interesting.

In South America, Peru could push Uruguay's hope of qualification into further peril, as they host a side that has been underachieving recently.

UEFA qualification could see the likes of Finland holding Spain and Ireland could make second place their own in Group C with a win over Sweden.

CAF: South Africa to Advance to Playoff Stages

Despite being penalized three points for fielding an illegal player in one of their previous qualifying matches, Ethiopia still stands a good chance of progressing to the knockout rounds. They are two points ahead of South Africa with one game remaining.

They play as the away side against Central Africa Republic, and could get through with a draw or a win. The two main challengers, South Africa and Botswana, face off and Ethiopia may just get a helping hand from Botswana.

South Africa will be expected to win their game, but so should Ethiopia. Unless the group leaders are surprisingly held to a draw, or even handed a loss, they will progress at expense of the 2010 World Cup hosts. 

CAF: Ghana to Emphatically Beat Zambia

Zambia and Ghana are separated by only one point as they head into the final group qualifying game.

As fate would have it, the duo are set to play each other, with Ghana hosting what should be a tantalizing match.

A draw will do it for the home side, but Zambia will be expected to make it tough. The two last met when Zambia beat Ghana in the 2012 African Nations Cup en route to its historic tournament victory.

Ghana will be looking to return the favour in an important match and will look to emphatically enter the knockout rounds.

CONCACAF: Costa Rica to Take Pole Position in CONCACAF Qualifying

Costa Rica versus the US Men's National team should be an entertaining CONCACAF matchup this weekend. The US side has been on a high in recent outings, winning its last 12 games.

This game will be a bit of a grudge match, as last time the two met, Costa Rica lost away from home in a snow-filled game, and then protested about the result.

Only two points seperate the sides but, given the form of the USMNT, you would expect nothing less than a victory for the group leaders.

Costa Rica will pose tough opponents at home though, and could spring a surprise that shocks CONCACAF.

CONCACAF: Mexico to Come to Life Against Honduras

Jose Manuel del Torre is still in charge of the Mexican national side, and that will have Mexican fans wary.

El Tri has been abysmal so far in this campaign, picking up five draws and only one win. The side with probably the best attacking talent in the confederation has been held to 0-0 draws three times at home.

Honduras is the next team to travel to the Azteca, and the prediction is that they'll face an onslaught.

Mexico is currently in fourth position and needs to start climbing back up to one of the top two positions. Now would be a good time for Mexico to play its best, especially with a big game against the US next on the plate.

CONMEBOL: Colombia and Ecuador to Play out a Thriller

Colombia and Ecuador are sitting in second and third position, with only two points in between them. While many would expect a tense game given their proximity, it should prove to be an exciting game.

Ecuador won the last encounter 1-0, and all the attacking talents on hand should make this a good game to watch.

Though Chile is right behind these teams, and should pick up a win against Venezuela, they have a game in hand. Each side will be looking to solidify that top four spot with only four games remaining.

CONMEBOL: Luis Suarez Will Bag a Hat-Trick Against Peru

There hasn't been a lot of news on the Luis Suarez front lately, but that should change this weekend.

Given that he hasn't had much match-action lately, it would be a bit of a surprise if Suarez provided a major impact, like scoring a hat-trick, when Uruguay plays Peru.

The Liverpool forward is one of the top scorers in South American qualifying so far, and if someone is going to score the important goals in this game you would bet on Suarez. Suarez will be productive, and we're going to go big and say a hat-trick is on the cards.

UEFA: Croatia and Belgium Both Lose

Croatia and Belgium are both well-placed in Group A of UEFA World cup qualification, and both face tough away games this weekend.

Croatia will have an especially exciting match against rivals Serbia, while Belgium will be expected to beat Scotland for the second time. With a defeat not detrimental to either side's chances of at least making a playoff spot, it's very possible they could both lose.

UEFA: Republic of Ireland to Pull Away from Sweden and Austria

The Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Austria are all tied behind Germany in Group C. This weekend will be a big one for Ireland, as they have a good chance to make the second place position their own.

Austria travels to Germany, and that spells defeat, but Sweden pay a visit Ireland. The Nordic side will be slightly favoured but the home advantage will certainly help Robbie Keane and company.

They can pick up the three points, and leave Austria and Sweden in a tough position.

UEFA: Montenegro to Hold on to Top Spot in Group H

Montenegro is leading group H by two points with a game in hand over England, Ukraine and Poland. It's tough to see them hanging on with a tough visit to Poland and given that Ukraine and England are playing San Marino and Moldova at home.

A draw will not help them, considering England will have enough goal difference to take the top spot, but with the likes of Stevan Jovetic, Montenegro can pull out a win and retain the top spot.