Dave1962

The Republic of Ireland did what they had to do against Portugal to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The game against Portugal not only saw the Irish win but also keep a clean sheet, as well as Ronaldo being sent off. When the Republic of Ireland welcomed Hungary, they started slowly and were two down at half-time. However, a spirited second-half performance saw them score two goals to earn a draw. Ireland have lost both qualifying away games, which may cause the Hungarian players to be a little complacent. The Republic of Ireland have everything to play for, and if this time around they start quicker, then there's every chance they can get a famous win.

The Willie Mullins-trained Final Demand's hurdling form is far above the rest of this field. Last season, he won two Grade One races in Ireland and finished third behind The New Lion in the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He is sure to have been well-schooled and in the capable hands of Paul Townend, taking Final Demand to start his chasing career with a win, provided he handles the ground.

Harry Cobdon is returning to partner King William Rufus after an absence of nearly two years. In that period, King William Rufus has raced twelve times, winning three of them. This is a real step up in class for this horse, but he gets in off bottom weight and has the assistance of Harry in the saddle. He ran okay on his seasonal reappearance, finishing fourth. He should strip much fitter today and has winning form at Cheltenham.

Norway are currently top of the table, and providing they don't lose to Italy by nine goals, they will be on the plane to next year's World Cup finals. Italy look set to finish second in the table and will need to go through the play-offs if they also want to be playing in the World Cup finals. Italy have won all three home qualifying games, scoring ten goals and conceding none. I can see them getting the win but not enough goals to secure the top spot.