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England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to win? Charlie Nicholas makes qualifying predictions

Charlie Nicholas gives his predictions for the Home Nations' World Cup Qualifiers

Charlie Nicholas runs the rule over the World Cup qualifiers, tipping England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to all win.

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England, Northern Ireland and Scotland are all odds-on favourites against Malta, San Marino and Lithuania respectively - and Charlie can see interim boss Southgate getting off to a flyer. Check out his full Sky Bet tips for the five clashes...

England v Malta

Well this is a nice game for Gareth Southgate to start with, especially after my team softened [Malta] up!

The big question is what he does and how many changes he makes. Will he play Wayne Rooney? Or will he want to play Dele Alli behind Daniel Sturridge or Jamie Vardy?

England's Wayne Rooney in action against Iceland at Euro 2016
Image: Wayne Rooney has retained his England captaincy

I've got a feeling Southgate isn't the type to take a risk and will make changes once the side are a couple of goals up.

I would like to see him try playing Alli close to Vardy instead of Rooney, and then Theo Walcott up next to the striker on the right-hand side, where he's been really successful for Arsenal this season.

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Watch England and Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli secretly nutmeg team-mate Eric Dier. Pictures courtesy of FATV

If I'm having a bet on this game I'd be looking at England to score at least five goals and Walcott definitely to get in on the act.

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Charlie predicts: 6-0 and Walcott to score first (28/1 with Sky Bet)

Northern Ireland v San Marino

This looks like a good little opportunity for Northern Ireland to get a few goals in the bag for once, but these teams can be frustrating initially.

Northern Ireland's Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas and Jonny Evans applaud the fans
Image: Northern Ireland are expected to record a comfortable victory

Kyle Lafferty had a pretty miserable Euros after being talked up and I think it could take a while for them to break San Marino down.

I'd be expecting late goals from Northern Ireland as they're not used to going straight out and attacking but these sort of teams get tired late on, so it might take something from a set-piece to get them going, with Gareth McAuley their main threat.

Charlie predicts: 3-0 and McAuley to score first (35/1 with Sky Bet)

Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

Scotland v Lithuania

This for me is a must-win. A few of my colleagues aren't so sure but you must win your home games to gather momentum, especially ahead of Tuesday's trip to Slovakia.

Scotland started the campaign with a win over Malta
Image: Scotland started the campaign with a 5-1 win over Malta

I covered this game a few years ago and we really struggled. Scotland are vulnerable defensively when they have to come out and attack as they're used to playing on the counter. 

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Former Scotland captain Gary McAllister says team spirit is very good as qualifying action resumes

Leigh Grffiths isn't match-fit so I'd probably start with Oliver Burke, who is attracting a lot of interest up here, supporting Chris Martin, then I can see Griffiths coming off the bench and bagging the winner.  

Charlie predicts: 2-1 to Griffiths score last (22/1 with Sky Bet)

Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

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