World Cup 2018 Preview: Group E

Brazil

Theres something special about Brazil coming into a world cup, the glow of the golden and the obscene high level of natural talent can't help but win over the cynics amongst us. But by eck do they look strong this time, utterly dominating the South American qualifying group. Their squad reads like a whose who of European league football and even their keeper is in good form. Neymar is coming back from an injury but they still have good cover in Jesus and Firmino.


Costa Rica

A strong qualifying campaign saw them coming in second in the Central American group. Some decent players who have done the rounds over the years as well as Real Madrids Keylor Navas. However they are mixed in with a number of fairly weak players and when compared to Switzerland and Serbia not as strong a squad.


Serbia

Topping the group that included Wales and Republic of Ireland, they are the team I've seen the most of this qualifying campaign. Milivojevic, Tadic, Matic and Mitrovic have been on good form in the English leagues. Kolarov the captain is a wise old head in defence and they need to do something against Switzerland to get through this group and be a dangerous floater later on in the tournament but I'd rank them as third in the group.


Switzerland

Very unlucky in qualifying as they were pipped by Portugal despite finishing level on points and scraped through the playoff against Northern Ireland. They have a few good players - case in point in Lichtsteiner whose been a good player forever. They have a habit of getting though to the second round and could be a threat to Brazil in this group.


Summing Up

I have this group down as finishing Brazil - Switzerland - Serbia - Costa Rica. However I feel each team has it in them to upset the next team up.
Tips: Brazil to win, Costa Rica to finish bottom and to lay unders on the booking in the Serbia/Switzerland match.
One to watch: Gabriel Jesus, has been in good form this season and I expect big things from him this World Cup.
Dark horse to watch: Milinkovic-Savic, has been a revelation the last few years at Lazio and could well be a player who attracts transfer attention.