International friendlies and the MLS take centre stage

With little over a week until the World Cup, 32 nations are looking to fine-tune their systems and play their way into form.

Today brings about another set of fixtures that will whet your appetite for the tournament itself.

The Coral News Team provide a run-down featuring Brazil and Spain as well as peering into the world of MLS.

Brazil to beat Croatia – 4/9

This will be the first time the teams have faced each other since the opening game of the 2014 World Cup. Brazil have won the last two with the other game a 1-1 draw in 2005.

Brazil beat Germany last weekend without Neymar and may have to do it again.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is undoubtedly their talisman but the side have undeniable talent elsewhere in the squad too.

Gabriel Jesus scored the only goal against the Germans but they also have the £140 million man Philippe Coutinho in their ranks.

Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino will be hoping to start this one. Especially as the game is being hosted at Anfield.

They’ll come up against a tough Croatia side who may welcome Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric back into the side following their Champions League win.

Costa Rica to beat Northern Ireland – 5/6

Costa Rica surprised the world when they beat both Uruguay and Italy before advancing to the quarter finals in 2014.

Northern Ireland had a similar run in the Euros two years ago.

Michael O’Neill has significantly improved the team since taking over in 2011.

Although they’ve failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz will again be pivotal to La Ticos fortunes this time round.

And with Northern Ireland minds elsewhere, Costa Rica could edge this one.

Spain to beat Switzerland – 2/7

Switzerland will be sweating on the fitness of their star man Granit Xhaka.

The Arsenal midfielder limped out of training yesterday with a knee injury. It will certainly put him out of this game.

Missing their driving force in the centre of the park, Spain may over-run the Swiss with their quick and incisive passing.

The blend of the experienced, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and David Silva mixed with the exciting new crop of Saul, Koke and Marco Asensio will be hard to stop.

This is the first time the nations have met since 2010. Spain were already guaranteed a spot in the World Cup knock-out rounds when Switzerland triumphed 1-0.

However, the absence of Xhaka could prove a crucial one and Spain have a renewed sense of optimism this year.

Atlanta United to beat Philadelphia Union – 4/9

Over in America, Atlanta United hope to extend their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference. They take on Philadelphia Union who are 7^th in the table.

Atlanta are not in the finest of form but do boast the top scorer across both the East and Western conferences.

Josef Martinez has nine goals from the thirteen appearances, that’s one more than both Bradley Wright-Phillips and David Villa.

The Union have come off the back of an impressive 3-1 win over Chicago Fire.

They’ve picked up seven points from nine going into this one but Atlanta will feel they have enough stay top.

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – Coral have it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing