Games to watch for Saturday and Sunday's World Cup Qualifiers

Europe

In the European qualifiers, there are 9 groups of six teams. 1st place in each group qualifies directly to the World Cup. 2nd place teams enter a playoff round against each other. The rest cannot qualify.

Faroe Islands vs Latvia

Sat: 19:00 CET (+3) - 17:00 local time, Torsvollour, Torshavn

      Faroe Islands take on Latvia and are looking for a win to get 3rd place in the group which would be a huge achievement as they have a population of only 50, 000 inhabitants. Latvia have lost their last nine matches in a row and are desperately trying to end their losing streak.

      Despite Faroe keeper Gunnar Nielson conceding 15 goals, he has four clean sheets and has helped them reach 93rd in the FIFA rankings. At the back is Faroe captain and veteran Atli Gregersen who controls the back line and has an 83% pass accuracy rate. In the middle, Faroe Islands have Hallur Hansson who is the playmaker for the team and plays for AC Horsens who are in 4th place in the Danish Superligaen. On the wing is Gilli Sorensen who has a goal and has a 70% pass accuracy rate.

     The best player currently for Latvia is FC Zurich keeper Andris Vanins who has five clean sheets in ten matches with FC Zurich in 2nd place is the Swiss Super League. At the back, Latvia have Vladislavs Gabovs who has won 100% of the tackles and is having a great season for Pafos FC in Cyprus. Although Latvia have struggled to have a midfielder who can control the game, their best midfielder is Davis Ikaunieks who has scored three goals for Czech side Vysocina Jihlava, however he will need to step for the national team. A player to watch on Latvia is young midfielder Davis Indrans who made his debut against Portugal and has a 71% pass accuracy rate.

     Despite Latvia having no opportunity to qualify to Russia next year, this is a must win as they are in last place and cannot afford to ruin their reputation more than they already have. For Faroe Islands a win would be historic and put their team in the right direction for the future.

Africa

In the African qualifiers, there are 5 groups of four teams. The 1st place teams in each group qualify directly to the World Cup.  The remaining team cannot qualify for the World Cup.

Cape Verde Islands vs Senegal

Sat: 20:30 CET (+3) - 16:30 local time, National Stadium Cape Verde, Praia

      The Blue Sharks prepare to take Senegal after two successful wins against South Africa to give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying to Russia next year. Senegal are in 2nd place in Group D with five points, however they have played one match less than Cape Verde and Burkina Faso, who both have six points.

      Despite Cape Verde struggling defensively in the first two matches, their back line has improved and has helped them to win games. PAOK defender Fernado Varela is one of Cape Verde's main defenders and has won 86% of duels with the ball from a header. Varela is also playing well for PAOK as they are 2nd place in the Greek Superleague. A player to look out for is Galatasaray midfielder Garry Rodrigues as he has scored two goals for the Blue Sharks and has three assists for Galatasaray. Another player to watch on Cape Verde's team is Nuno Rocha as he has two goals and an 82% pass accuracy rate.

     Senegal have a lot of depth as a team and are emerging as one of the best teams Africa. At the back, Senegal have Everton defensive midfielder Idrissa Gueye who has a 81% pass accuracy rate, and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly who has won 100% of the tackles and a 84% pass accuracy rate. One of the most known players on Senegal's team Sadio Mane, has one goal and two assists for Senegal and has scored three goals in five matches for Liverpool. Up front, Senegal have Monaco striker Keita Diao who has been clinical for Senegal as he has one goal, assist and has an 83% pass accuracy rate.

      As Senegal have a match less, a draw would put them tied for 1st with Burkina Faso. Cape Verde will need a win and hope that Burkina Faso don't beat South Africa in the other Group D match. As Cape Verde are never competed in the World Cup, this will be a huge match for a country with only 500, 000 inhabitants.

Slovenia vs Scotland

Sun: 19:00 CET (+3) - 18:00 local time, Stozice Stadion, Ljubljana

     This is the last match for both teams, as they both have only one way to get 2nd place in Group E, a victory. As Slovenia are three points below Scotland, one point below Slovakia who play Malta, they need to beat Scotland and hope for Malta to tie or win the match.

    In goal, Slovenia have Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak who has been fantastic in the La Liga and the qualifiers as he has only conceded five goals in nine matches. At the back, Slovenia have Miha Mevlja and Cheivo defender Bostjan Cesar who both have an combined 87% pass accuracy rate. A player to watch on Slovenia's team is Atlanta attacking midfielder Josip Ilicic who has three goals and four assists in the qualifiers. Another player to watch is Benjamin Verbic who has two goals and a 83% pass accuracy rate with Slovenia. For his team FC Kobenhavn, he has five goals in 11 matches.

   At the back, Scotland have Christophe Berra and Blackburn Rovers defender Charlie Mulgrew who both have a combined 82% accuracy rate and have keep Scotland solid at the back for the last few games. In midfield, Scotland have Stoke City player Darren Fletcher who controls midfield area and has a 88% pass accuracy rate. Up front, is Celtic striker Leigh Griffins who has three goals, three assists and will need to crucial player for Scotland

     For the visitors a win would conform 2nd place. As Scotland haven't competed in the World Cup since 1998, the fans will bring more passion then ever to a already passionate Scottish fan base.