World Cup Preview.

Just over 5 weeks until the World Cup starts in Russia with a tie surely hand-picked by Putin himself before the draw v Saudi Arabia. Now seems like as good a time as any to have a preview of the tournament.

Group A - Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
Saudi Arabia will surely be the whipping boys of that group, Russia on home soil with favourable refereeing should fancy their chances of escaping the group. Egypt making their re-appearance on the World Stage should have enough firepower with Mo Salah to get out of the group. Uruguay must be group favourites but an ageing squad may finally catch up on them.

Uruguay and Egypt to qualify, dodgy decisions may allow Russia a path into the last 16.

Group B - Portugal, Spain, Iran, Morocco
The European heavyweights should take control of this group but whoever wins the opening fixture between Iran and Morocco will only need the one freak result from 2 to end up in the last 16.

Portugal and Spain to qualify in routine style.

Group C - France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
France as the clear favourites should blow the other teams in the section out of the water. An extremely tight battle for second spot between 3 sides closely matched in quality if not in style.

France as winners, Eriksen to be the difference maker and Denmark to nick second.

Group D - Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
The Argies are a class above the other 3 and should seal a last 16 spot in second gear. Iceland's spirit and attitude will make them a tough opponent but the lack of quality may be telling, Croatia's top operators are entering the twilight of their careers, though the last time the same was true they ended up 3rd in 1998. Nigeria another decent outfit will need to get a positive result in the first fixture v Croatia to give themselves a chance.

Argentina to win the group followed by Croatia after a real struggle.

Group E - Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Brazil should have more than enough to win this group at a canter, Switzerland struggled to get here v Northern Ireland and didn't look up to much over those 2 legs. Costa Rica to give a decent account of themselves but ultimately not have enough in the tank. Serbia to qualify in second courtesy of their quality midfield, though they will need Mitrovic to keep a cool head and have his shooting boots on to see off the challenge of Switzerland.

Brazil as winners, followed by Serbia...just.

Group F - Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

The Germans are unlikely to be troubled by their group opponents and should win with ease. Sweden are lucky to be here and i can't see them escaping the group. Mexico to pip South Korea with their tournament experience giving them the edge just in a battle that really could go either way.

Germany as winners, Mexico squeezing into second.

Group G - Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England.

The two big hitters in the group should have no trouble qualifying, with Belgium's star studded squad being hindered by having Roberto Martinez set them up their is potential for them to come unstuck but probably at a later stage against better opposition. England start with a must win game against Tunisia that will set the tone for their tournament. Panama and Tunisia will be happy to make up the numbers but we've seen many a minnow throw up something special in these tournaments and with neither the Belgians or the English reliable performers, they have a glimmer of light.

England to win the group, credit for that to go to Roberto Martinez. Belgium to take second.

Group H - Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

A closely matched bunched with maybe the exception of Senegal who have sprung famous surprises before. Colombia should be the team to beat after their performance in Brazil, Japan are steady performers and Poland can be a bit Jekyll and Hyde even in the same game going off performances v Scotland over recent years.

Colombia to top the group, Japan to hold off Poland and the shelf's to be freshly re-stocked before the knockout stage.

What are your predictions for the group stages?
Dark horses for the Tournament?
Who are the players to watch?
For the handsome among us (Scottish) who will you be supporting?

Also if anyone can tell me where to buy Panama, Tunisia and Belgium strips that'd be much appreciated