It’s a busy weekend of World Cup Qualifying and key games in the UEFA Region. In Group 6, England currently leads with 15 points with a 5-0-0 record. A victory at Kazakhstan on Saturday would keep them first in the group and one step closer to automatic qualification.  Other key matches include Sweden versus Denmark, Bulgaria takes on Ireland, and the Netherlands takes on Iceland. Here are previews and predictions for each of these UEFA WCQ matches.

Kazakhstan v England – Saturday – 11:00 EST – England can move another step closer to winning Group 6 with a victory as they travel to Kazakhstan. The English have been in great form during qualifying with a +12 goal differential. Wayne Rooney should lead the England attack as he has 5 goals in 5 matches. Kazakhstan have struggled in WCQ and will have a tall task to stop a deep and talented England team. It could be close in the opening half and Kazakhstan will have an advantage with a home crowd, but England are the better team. Prediction – England wins 2-0

Sweden v Denmark – Saturday – 14:00 EST – Group 1 leaders Denmark look to stay on top as they travel to Sweden on Saturday. Sweden is 4th in the group with 6 points while Denmark leads with 13 points. Denmark is currently undefeated and should provide a tough test for Sweden who needs a victory or the minimum a draw to keep qualification hopes alive. Sweden’s only win in qualification is at home but will have trouble against Denmark. Prediction – Draw 1-1

Bulgaria v Ireland – Saturday – 13:30 EST – Ireland looks to keep their qualification hopes alive as they travel to face 3rd place Bulgaria. Both teams are behind 1st place Italy and realistically will be looking for a 2nd place finish to get into the playoffs for the final spots. Ireland failed to qualify for last year’s World Cup and has struggled to make any of the major tournaments (European Championships and World Cup) in the last several years. Bulgaria should have the advantage playing at home but Ireland could surprise. Prediction – Bulgaria wins 1-0

Iceland – Netherlands – Saturday – 14:45 EST – The Netherlands play Iceland as they lead Group 9 by 8 points. The Dutch have been impressive so far in their qualification, conceding only one goal in 5 games. Iceland has only 4 points and will not be able keep up with the Netherlands as they can move closer to winning the group. If Iceland can keep it close, they could squeak out a draw, but it seems unlikely. Netherlands wins 3-0