B/R Experts Predict Top Matches in World Football for Weekend of Nov. 14-16

Alex LivieNov 13, 2014

League football takes a back seat as the international programme rolls into focus.

There is friendly and qualification action to feast on, with a number of intriguing matches taking place.

There's a battle between Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale as Belgium face Wales, and England lock horns with Slovenia in what will be Wayne Rooney's 100th international outing.

But arguably the most intriguing contest is Scotland's battle with Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Our experts have been scanning the form book as they do battle for B/R bragging rights.

So, do you agree with their predictions for this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

USA vs. Colombia

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Alex Livie: USA 0-2 Colombia

First goalscorer: James Rodriguez

Colombia are a real power on the world stage and will prove too good for Jurgen Klinsmann's side.

Karl Matchett: USA 1-2 Colombia

First goalscorer: Teo Gutierrez

Colombia have more firepower than USA, and in what should be an up-tempo game, that will count for much.

Will Tidey: USA 1-3 Colombia

First goalscorer: James Rodriguez

Can't see the U.S. beating Colombia at Craven Cottage. James will score at least once for the South Americans.

Mike Cummings: USA 1-2 Colombia

First goalscorer: James Rodriguez

The Americans will show plenty of heart, but Colombia will have too much star power.

Jerrad Peters: USA 1-3 Colombia

First goalscorer: Jackson Martinez

United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann will be experimenting with some lesser-known players at Craven Cottage and won't be taking a win out of London.

Alex Dimond: USA 1-1 Colombia

First goalscorer: Jackson Martinez

Craven Cottage is the obvious venue for a game like this. Colombia have the greater quality, but the Americans have a brilliant knack of grinding out a result and should do so again.

Scotland vs. Republic of Ireland

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Alex Livie: Scotland 0-0 Republic of Ireland

Both teams are in the qualification mix, and with plenty to play for, it will be a tight affair.

Karl Matchett: Scotland 2-1 Republic of Ireland

First goalscorer: Steven Naismith

Both teams are improving and will have real hopes of an automatic qualification place for Euro 2016. Scotland will edge this one.

Will Tidey: Scotland 1-2 Republic of Ireland

First goalscorer: Robbie Keane

This one could be the loudest game in Euro 2016 qualifying. Scotland will fight hard, but Republic of Ireland will edge it.

Mike Cummings: Scotland 1-1 Republic of Ireland

First goalscorer: Robbie Keane

It's not necessarily a must-win for either team, but both will be hoping to make a statement with a victory. That could make for a tight contest.

Jerrad Peters: Scotland 1-2 Republic of Ireland

First goalscorer: Robbie Keane

Scotland come into this match three points back of Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualification Group D but on the back of an impressive draw against Poland. Ireland, however, drew with Germany last time out and are enjoying their best form in years.

Alex Dimond: Scotland 1-1 Republic of Ireland

First goalscorer: Aiden McGeady

This is one of the most intriguing and anticipated of the forthcoming European qualifiers, with two teams that should be evenly balanced—especially considering the good work Gordon Strachan has done since his appointment. McGeady, likely to get a fiery reception, may be well up for the fight.

England vs. Slovenia

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Alex Livie: England 3-0 Slovenia

First goalscorer: Wayne Rooney

The Three Lions are taking full advantage of being handed a relatively easy group and will take another three points.

Karl Matchett: England 2-0 Slovenia

First goalscorer: Danny Welbeck

There's no reason we should be looking at anything other than a comfortable, if low-key, home win.

Will Tidey: England 3-0 Slovenia

First goalscorer: Wayne Rooney

This will be a straightforward win for England, with Rooney bagging a brace at Wembley and Saido Berahino getting a goal off the bench in his debut.

Mike Cummings: England 3-0 Slovenia

First goalscorer: Wayne Rooney

On his 100th cap, Rooney takes another step toward the scoring record as England take another step toward Euro 2016 qualification.

Jerrad Peters: England 2-0 Slovenia

First goalscorer: Wayne Rooney

Jermain Defoe was the goalscorer the last time these two went head-to-head, at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Samir Handanovic gives Slovenia a world-class presence between the sticks, but England's Wayne Rooney will rise to the occasion, having won his 100th cap.

Alex Dimond: England 2-0 Slovenia

First goalscorer: Gary Cahill

It is probably too much to ask for England to put on a free-flowing, attacking display—and Slovenia aren't a bad side anyway. But England should have enough to win, perhaps with a goal from a set piece again required to break the deadlock.

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Belgium vs. Wales

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Alex Livie: Belgium 2-0 Wales

First goalscorer: Marouane Fellaini

Wales are improving, and in Gareth Bale, they have an ace in their pack, but Belgium have quality all over the park and will be too good.

Karl Matchett: Belgium 3-1 Wales

First goalscorer: Divock Origi

Wales are looking stronger, but they are still hugely reliant on Gareth Bale in the final third. That won’t be enough here.

Will Tidey: Belgium 1-1 Wales

First goalscorer: Eden Hazard

Everybody else will have this as a Belgium win, but there's some steel about Wales at the moment, and I fancy them to nick a point. They'll have to weather a storm to make it through, however.

Mike Cummings: Belgium 2-0 Wales

First goalscorer: Eden Hazard

Belgium just have too much talent. I can't see past a comfortable home win in this one.

Jerrad Peters: Belgium 1-1 Wales

First goalscorer: Romelu Lukaku

Belgium have stuttered out of the gate to begin Euro 2016 qualifying but should benefit from the world-class form of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, who have enjoyed terrific starts to their club campaigns.

Alex Dimond: Belgium 2-0 Wales

First goalscorer: Divock Origi

Wales might have the best player on the pitch, but Belgium have a collection of brilliant talents, and it is that collective strength that should see them to a hard-fought but ultimately relatively comfortable victory.

Italy vs. Croatia

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Alex Livie: Italy 1-0 Croatia

First goalscorer: Ciro Immobile

There won't be a lot between the two sides, but home advantage will take Italy to three points.

Karl Matchett: Italy 1-0 Croatia

First goalscorer: Graziano Pelle

This is a game Italy will largely control without creating huge amounts of chances. It will be another narrow win.

Will Tidey: Italy 2-0 Croatia

First goalscorer: Mario Balotelli

Both teams have won three from three in qualifying so far. Italy will take this one on home advantage, with Balotelli inevitably on the scoresheet.

Mike Cummings: Italy 1-1 Croatia

First goalscorer: Mario Mandzukic

This is another match I expect to be tight, and Croatia have the players to get a result. In fact, if Croatia were hosting, I might even back them for the win.

Jerrad Peters: Italy 1-0 Croatia

First goalscorer: Ciro Immobile

Italy have won just one of their seven matches against Croatia and none of their last five. They'll break their futility streak in Milan, although there won't be much separating them from their Group H rivals.

Alex Dimond: Italy 1-1 Croatia

First goalscorer: Simone Zaza

Croatia prepared for this game with a friendly against Argentina, which may or may not be an inspired ploy. Italy are in transition and could be caught out by a talented young squad with a couple of attacking difference-makers.