Lawro's predictions

SATURDAY'S EURO 2008 QUALIFIERS

Wales v Republic of Ireland
(1500 GMT)

This game is a dead rubber and it will be a bit flat for both teams. Wales have got a lot of young players, while the Republic of Ireland are in a state of flux, thinking about a new manager.

When the group was drawn I said the Republic would not qualify. Their players are too inexperienced - it probably takes an entire qualification campaign to bed down.

The Welsh need a performance and a win to sign off from the Euro qualifiers and I think they will get at least the second of those.

Prediction: 2-1

Scotland v Italy
(1700 GMT)

Scotland have been outstanding. If England had been in the group in place of Scotland, I do not think they would have done as well.

For Scotland, it is tough. It is tough because it is Italy, tough because of the expectation and tough because they have to win it. I do not think a draw will be enough for Scotland and knowing you must win can play with your mind.

Italy are going to play it tight and wait for a chance on the break, which makes it more difficult for Scotland.

The Scots like to play football all the time and it has worked for them when there has been no great pressure.

We saw that in the last two qualifiers. They had a great win against Ukraine at home, but they never got going in Georgia and lost 2-0.

Let me be clear, Scotland have been nothing short of brilliant at home throughout the campaign.

But I think the one team you do not want to play in this situation is the world champions.

Prediction: 1-1

Israel v Russia
(1800 GMT)

People have been writing this match off as a foregone conclusion ever since England lost to Russia in Moscow.

But I do not agree that Russia will canter to a win. Israel lose very few games at home and I think this will end in a draw.

The Russia we saw at Wembley was very different to the Russia we saw in Moscow. And Israel have the ability to make it very difficult for them.

The Israelis have only lost once at home in the campaign so far and that was against the group leaders Croatia.

There are not that many outstanding players in the Israel team, but they are a sound unit and will be quite content with a draw.

Prediction: 0-0

FYR Macedonia v Croatia
(1900 GMT)

England scraped through 1-0 in Macedonia thanks to Peter Crouch's goal and I cannot imagine the home side making it Valentine's Day for Croatia either.

Croatia know a point will be enough to earn qualification. And even though the players may not turn up and deliberately play for a draw, they will, subconsciously at least, play with the handbrake on.

It will not be a significant result in terms of England's chances, but I can certainly see a few twists and turns in this group all the way until next week's final matches.

Prediction: 1-1

Northern Ireland v Denmark
(1945 GMT)

Northern Ireland's last few performances have suggested to me as though they knew, deep down, they were a little bit short of the quality they needed to qualify.

They were riding high in their group, but four of their final five matches are away and that is tough.

They have definitely punched above their weight throughout qualification, but you only have to look at the squad to know they have not quite got enough.

Having said that, I expect this will be a good game to watch - Northern Ireland have to win to keep their faint hopes alive. But I cannot see them doing it.

Prediction: 2-2

Mark Lawrenson was talking to Dan Warren.

Source: BBC Sport