The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner and football fans across the world could not be more excited.
Although it's a bit different with the tournament being held in the middle of a season, the stakes are as high as ever as 32 countries battle it out to be world champions.
With the tournament getting so close now - here are the predictions for Group g.Â
Brazil
Key player/s: Neymar, Vinicius Jr
The Brazilian wizard in Neymar has had a couple of injury-plagued seasons over the last couple of years but he seems primed to have a real impact in Qatar. He has 20 G/A for PSG in just 14 league games and has arguably been their player of the season. It's a possibility that this could be the 30-year-old's final World Cup so he will be wanting to bring home the trophy for Brazil.
The world's next best thing. Vinicius Jr is already a decorated and brilliant footballer at the age of 22, having scored the winner in a Champions League final and accumulating 42 G/A in 52 games last season. He is quick, skilful and arguably the best dribbler in the world. The combination of himself and Neymar makes the Brazil attack the most dangerous in the tournament.
Player/s to watch: Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes is arguably the main reason for Newcastle sitting third in the Premier League. He is a bull in the midfield, defensively brilliant and a big contributor offensively as well. The only issue is that the Brazil midfield is completely star-studded and he only has eight caps for his country. A trio of himself, Casemiro and Fred could arguably be the way Tite starts off the World Cup but nevertheless it will be interesting to see how Guimaraes handles himself on the world stage.
Prediction: Group WinnersÂ
In my opinion, the most talented team at this World Cup, Brazil, will comfortably top this group. Their only weak position on the pitch is both full-backs, which may come unstuck for them deep in the tournament, but shouldn't rise as an issue during the group stages. Goals galore will come for them as they top Group G.
Serbia
Key player/s: Aleksander Mitrovic
He may not be the best technical player going around, but Aleksander Mitrovic scores goals everywhere he goes, especially for his country. The Serb has 50 goals in just 76 games for his nation, and is in brilliant form heading into Qatar. His aerial prowess is among the best in the world and his finishing ability is just as good. A real danger for all teams in Group G.
Player/s to watch: Dusan Vlahovic
One of the most promising young forwards in the world, Dusan Vlahovic is basically a younger, quicker version of Mitrovic, with an absurd left peg. The 22-year-old has eight goals in 16 appearances at international level and has scored 13 goals with Juventus since signing for them in January. The inclusion of him alongside Mitrovic makes Serbia arguably the most dangerous strike partnership in Qatar.
Prediction: 2nd in Group
Serbia has a brilliant talent pool going into this World Cup and I think it will be too much for both Switzerland and Cameroon to deal with. Their strike force will be too much to deal with alone but their midfield is also stacked with talent, with MIlinkovic-Savic, Kostic and Gudelj just a few talented names. They likely won't top the group over Brazil, but anything can happen.
Switzerland
Key player/s: Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka is another player that seems to be in career-best form heading into the World Cup after his brilliant performances with Arsenal in the Premier League. The defensive midfielder has been a real leader and anchor in midfield for his club as they sit atop the league with only one loss to their name. He is vital to Switzerland's chances at escaping the group and without him, their midfield would be lost.
Player/s to watch: Breel Embolo
Ex-wunderkind Breel Embolo has finally reached the form most expected him to reach years ago, and it couldn't come at a better time. The 25-year-old has nine G/A from 15 games with Monaco in Ligue 1, and is only two goals away from beating his goal tally from last season in the Bundesliga. He has only scored 11 times from 59 appearances for Switzerland but with that #9 spot all but his heading into the group stages, it's likely we see that tally group over the next month.Â
Prediction: 3rd in Group
The Swiss are bringing a decent side to Qatar but I don't think it will be good enough this year to make it past the group stages. Their best XI is full of quality but they lack depth across the squad alongside creativity through the wings, and creativity will be a huge factor in trying to break down teams such as Brazil. They will be competitive, but it's doubtful they will make it to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Cameroon
Key player/s: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
The journeyman that is Choupo-Moting has been banging in goals for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and could not be in better form heading into Qatar. The 33-year-old has 11 goals in 16 appearances for his club this year and has been vital to Bayern as he is their only recognisable striker. His form and experience will be key for Cameroon in this World Cup.
Player/s to watch: Bryan Mbeumo
Livewire winger Bryan Mbeumo has been on fire for Brentford in the Premier League this season and is Cameroon's biggest young talent. He only has two caps for his Nation but will no doubt be involved in all of Cameroon's group stage games, and it will be interesting to see how the 23-year-old performs on the world's biggest stage. Definitely a player to keep an eye on.
Prediction: Last in Group
Whilst there are some reasons for Cameroon fans to get excited about, they won't be going far. Their defence is one of the weakest at the tournament and will be coming up against Brazil and Serbia who arguably have the two most lethal attacks out of the 32 nations. They, unfortunately, got placed in one of the toughest groups in Qatar and it will be tough for them to avoid last place.
Match Day Picks
MD1:
Switzerland 2-1 Cameroon
Brazil 3-2 Serbia
MD2:
Cameroon 1-2 Serbia
Brazil 2-0 Switzerland
MD3:
Serbia 2-1 Switzerland
Cameroon 1-4 Brazil
TABLEÂ Â Â
               W    D     L     P
- Brazil        3     0     0     9
- Serbia        2     0     1     6
- Switzerland   1     0     2     3
- Cameroon    0     0     3     0
