Thursday's international friendlies predictions including Serbia vs. Qatar

Serbia vs. Qatar (Thursday, 5.00pm)

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Before they conclude a so-far unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign later this week, Serbia meet finals hosts Qatar on Thursday evening.

While the home side prepare for a crucial trip to Portugal with this warm-up friendly at Stadion Rajko Mitic, their opponents are looking to bounce back from heavy defeats in their last two matches.

We say: Serbia 2-1 Qatar

With at least one eye on the weekend's vital qualifier, Serbia are not expected to go full-gas for the win on Thursday night, but even a shadow side would feature enough guile and know-how to see off faltering Qatar.

Despite great investment helping the visitors take significant strides in recent years, their European counterparts have an abundance of attacking talent which could cause problems for any opponent.

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Ukraine vs. Bulgaria (Thursday, 5.30pm)

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Still in the running for a place at Qatar 2022 if results go their way later this week, Ukraine welcome Bulgaria to Odessa on Thursday for a friendly international.

While the Bulgarians will not be heading for the Middle East in 12 months time, their recent improvement should mean they provide substantial opposition for the hosts, who travel to Bosnia next Tuesday for a decisive Group D finale.

We say: Ukraine 1-1 Bulgaria

Neither of these sides generally score in bulk, so a low-scoring draw could be on the cards - particularly if the second half peters out due to substitutions and a desire to preserve energy before more important upcoming engagements.

There is certainly a drop-off in quality outside the hosts' first-choice selections, so any major changes would mean they can be held by a gradually improving Bulgaria.

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Czech Republic vs. Kuwait (Thursday, 5.30pm)

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Czech Republic take a break from World Cup qualifying on Thursday by playing host to Kuwait in an international friendly.

While the home side are unbeaten in three matches, Kuwait have only one victory to their name in 11 outings.

We say: Czech Republic 3-0 Kuwait

Despite Silhavy most likely selecting a mix-and-match side, this should still be one-way traffic. Despite their spirited effort at Bosnia-Herzegovina, we expect Kuwait to lose by a wider margin this time around.

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