World Cup Qualifying: Sweden to stay atop Group A

The club football schedule comes to a halt this weekend as World Cup Qualifying heats up. We are less than 10 months out from Russia 2018, so there's some big points out there.

Sweden (-129) at Bulgaria (+330), Draw (+250)

Sweden sits in the catbird seat in Group A, thanks in large part to a late winner over France this June. The Swedes still have a long way to go to grab the automatic berth and a win in Sofia on Thursday will be a huge step forward. With away ties against France and Holland left on their docket, the Swedes will view this one as a must-win.

Bulgaria have allowed 12 goals in six matches and have very little left in terms of hope to advance, with this match being a must-win to keep their ever-dimming World Cup candle lit.

With France hosting the Netherlands at the same time and a home match against Belarus on Sunday, Sweden could cement themselves in the top two with a couple of wins. Grab the the Blågult to come through on the road on Thursday.

Elsewhere in Thursday's slate, Greece (-286) at home against Estonia could pair nicely in a parlay with France (-179) against Holland.