Cameroon vs DR Congo preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Cameroon should have qualified directly and will be gutted to be in this position, needing to go through the tasking route of the playoffs to qualify for the World Cup.

While they may be slight favourites on paper, the will certainly take nothing for granted as DR Congo come into this one in fine form.

Cameroon played out a goalless draw with Angola in their final group game, securing a spot in the playoffs thanks in large part to their excellent goal difference.

There is no doubt they will be determined to deliver a more impressive showing on Thursday to advance to the playoff final, where they will face either Nigeria or Gabon to determine Africa's representative at the inter-confederation play-offs next year.

Meanwhile, DR Congo were much better in the previous round of the qualifiers, beating Sudan 1-0 in their final group game to make it seven wins in 10 qualifying games.

Things could have been much easier for Congo. They came into the Round 8 game against Senegal, sitting top of Group B, but Sebastien Desabre’s men squandered a two-goal advantage, losing 3-2.

The Leopards eventually finished with 22 points, and now face a long path to the World Cup.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have the historical advantage in this one, as they have never been defeated by Congo in a World Cup qualifier.

Cameroon dominates the overall record, but Congo have shown they can turn competitive fixtures into tight, gruelling contests, despite winning just once in their last 14 meetings, with Cameroon winning 8 of those.

Cameroon's squad will be bolstered by the return of four key stars, midfielders Yvan Neyou, Jean Onana, and defenders Enzo Boyomo and Darlin Yongwa.

Andre Onana is expected to start in goal, while Carlos Baleba should be fit enough to start despite suffering a slight knock at the weekend.

Things are tougher for Congo, as they have a number of injuries to contend with, notably missing star forward Yoane Wissa.

Other absentees include Bertaud, Batubinsika, and Diangana. They will rely heavily on veteran goal-scorer Cedric Bakambu, their top qualifier scorer.

Cameroon: A Onana; Tchatchoua, Castelletto, Nouhou, Nagida; Avom, Baleba, Anguissa; Nkoudou, Eyong, Mbeumo 

DR Congo: Mpasi; Masuaku, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Kayembe; Essende, Bakambu

Cameroon have lost just once in their last 8 games, and have been incredibly dominant in this fixture over the years. They also have an attack that can trouble even some of the world's best defences, especially with Bryan Mbeumo in the form of his life at Manchester United.

Congo should not be written off, and we expect this to be a very close game in the end.

• Cameroon to win

• Over 1.5 goals

• Bryan Mbeumo anytime goalscorer