World Cup qualifiers:Argentina & Netherlands need a win badly

It has been an arduous journey for some, but here we are, just days away from having a clear idea of who will be heading to Russia next summer, and who will be just a play-off victory away from doing the same.

Here we look at matches that could make or break a nation's hopes:

Belarus vs Netherlands

How the mighty have fallen. The forefathers of Total Football are facing the possibility that they could fail to qualify for successive tournaments for the first time in 22 years.

Victory in Barysaw on Saturday is a must. Holland are three points behind Sweden in second in Group A, who face Luxembourg. A repeat of the minnows' incredible draw against France will be welcomed by the Oranje, that's for sure.

Should Dick Advocaat's side secure the three points they need in Barysaw, expect Premier League-based players to have a say. Virgil van Dijk is back in Advocaat's squad, while Brighton's Davy Propper was the hero last time out against Bulgaria, as he scored twice in a 3-1 win. Tottenham's Vincent Janssen is expected to lead the line up front in a group where goal difference could be decisive.

Bulgaria vs France

Despite that shock 0-0 stalemate in Paris against Luxembourg, France are still very much in the driving seat in Group A. However, this trip to Sofia on Saturday is more perilous than many think - Bulgaria have won all four of their home games so far in the qualification process, including a 2-0 over the Netherlands in March.

Much has been made of the myriad of talent in the France squad, but some old faithful Premier League heads could be key. Olivier Giroud is very much a favourite of Didier Deschamps, and is only outscored by Antoine Griezmann in World Cup qualification for Les Bleus. Tottenham's Moussa Sissoko is back in the squad after getting more action for Spurs, while Hugo Lloris will lead his country out once more.

Austria vs Serbia

This game could really shape the fortunes of Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Serbia need one win from games away to Austria and home to Georgia to ensure top spot. A repeat of their hard-fought 1-0 win over Ireland will do just nicely on Friday.

Premier League-based stars will play their part. Manchester United's Nemanja Matic and Crystal Palace's Luka Milivojevic will anchor the midfield, Southampton's Dusan Tadic provides the guile, while Aleksandar Mitrovic will be the focal point of the attack.

Armenia vs Poland

Poland are another side on the verge of qualification, but they still have negotiate a potential banana skin in Armenia on Thursday.

Robert Lewandowski's goals will be crucial as ever. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more goals in the qualification process than the Bayern Munich hitman, but it is an in-form Manchester United star who will be doing his utmost to make it a frustrating evening in Yerevan.

Having made just one assist all season in 2016/17, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has already laid on five goals for United this campaign, and with Poland not the most secure at the back - the Poles have conceded four more than the next leakiest defence from the nine UEFA group leaders - Mkhitaryan will fancy his chances of creating plenty of openings. West Brom's midfield protector Grzegorz Krychowiak will be doing his best to stop him.

Bosnia vs Belgium

For goals, goals and more goals, look no further than Belgium. No side have scored more than the Belgians in their qualification process, and with seven wins from eight, they became the first UEFA nation to qualify for Russia early.

Premier League players make up many of the key personnel in the squad. In-form Romelu Lukaku may not shake off an ankle injury in time to face Bosnia on Saturday, but with Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini available, there's plenty of other England-based attacking options available to Roberto Martinez.

With Bosnia not assured of a play-off spot, expect a tough match for Belgium, but if they hit top form, they'll take some stopping.

England vs Slovenia

England will secure their place at the 2018 World Cup with a win over Slovenia on Thursday.

Slovenia still have a chance of qualifying but are one point behind second place with two games remaining and really have to win here to retain any hopes going into the final game.

England have won all four of their home qualifiers so far in this campaign and conceded just one goal in that time.

A draw in the reverse fixture marked the first time Slovenia have ever avoided defeat against England, but they'd do well to repeat that feat here.

Argentina vs Peru

To say Argentina’s spot in next summer’s World Cup is precarious would be an understatement. Argentina is in a difficult spot as they are dropped out of the automatic qualification zone for FIFA World Cup. The situation demands the team to respond with two wins out of the next two, starting off with the home tie against Peru on Thursday night.

Whilst Brazil have qualified with ease thanks to some stunning form under Tite, all the other big teams in Argentina are scrapping for the final spots.

Argentina come into this match at home to Peru, level on points with their opponents. With goal difference the same, Peru have better goals scored.

As it stands, Argentina are in the play-off position in South American World Cup qualifying. But, Jorge Sampaoli’s side have two games to save themselves, with a trip to Ecuador next week.

Former Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli was supposed to be the man to make things happen for Argentina.

So far, the South American giants have continued to look short at the back and way too reliant on Leo Messi.

Draws with Uruguay and Venezuela in the last round of fixtures were simply not good enough with South American qualification so tough.