5 must-watch matches over the international break

There's never a convenient time for the international break, is there?

The Premier League is forging its tightest title tussle in years, the MLS playoffs are in full swing, newly promoted RB Leipzig is chasing records in the Bundesliga, and a Mario Balotelli-inspired OGC Nice sits atop Ligue 1.

But, rather than mull over a footballing calendar that features a meeting between Georgia and Moldova - both of which have a snowflake's chance in a Death Valley heatwave of making the 2018 World Cup - let's focus on the potential belters over the next week or so.

Here are five must-watch matches during the international break:

Brazil vs. Argentina

The Brazil-Argentina rivalry transcends football due to wars over territorial disputes, never mind the simple cultural differences that derive from their respective colonisations by Spain and Portugal.

On the pitch, it truly is a mouth-watering prospect. Ignore the relationships honed between the different nationalities at club level - Lionel Messi boarded a plane with Barcelona teammates Javier Mascherano and Neymar, the Brazilian star, ahead of Thursday's competition. This is a match neither country can afford to lose, particularly when Argentina is currently adrift of the World Cup qualification spots.

"This is a clasico, and we will be trying to win and to improve," Argentina ace Sergio Aguero told ESPN ahead of the clash. "I hope that during the preparation we can correct our previous mistakes so that we play well on Thursday.

"These matches are important for our position in the table and we cannot be so far from the top."

The host Brazil will be favourite going into the game. Neymar and Gabriel Jesus have developed a fine understanding up front, and are ably flanked by Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, one of Europe's most in-form players right now.

England vs. Scotland

Approach this match with caution.

Wembley is certain to be a cauldron of noise for England and Scotland's first competitive match since 1999 on Friday, but both teams are capable of putting on a dour show of sideways passing and hoofed clearances.

What may add some spice to this boiled-potatoes bout is the fact Gareth Southgate could be auditioning to become England's full-time manager after being interim charge, while Gordon Strachan is simply clinging to his job at Scotland's helm.

England will need to be mindful of Saturday's return to the scoresheet for Celtic marksman Leigh Griffiths, and Robert Snodgrass' availability for the tie.

United States vs. Mexico

Since 1985, the United States has worked admirably to bridge the gulf that existed between it and rival Mexico:

(Courtesy: @charliearevalo)

This time, despite boasting home advantage in Columbus, it could be a tough ask for Jurgen Klinsmann to come through Friday's Hex showdown unscathed. Geoff Cameron was unable to link up with the U.S. camp, while the late withdrawal of Jordan Morris through injury has posed an attacking quandary.

The likely route for success looks to be via set-pieces - perhaps through Toronto FC duo Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore - but El Tri handler Juan Carlos Osorio will be fairly confident after having few injury issues in his pool of Mexican talent.

Chile vs. Uruguay

Don't concern yourself with skirting work to catch Italy and Germany's friendly - there's some better entertainment later Tuesday.

Chile has finally got its World Cup qualification campaign on track and currently occupies the playoff position, but faces a stern test when Uruguay visits Santiago.

There's concern over the fitness of Alexis Sanchez, the match comes just five days after a potential banana skin against Ecuador, and Edinson Cavani is in form and set to partner Luis Suarez for Los Charruas.

Hipster pick: Nigeria vs. Algeria

Still reeling from not booking a berth at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria is desperate to send its exciting young contingent to Russia in 2018.

Headlined by Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho and Arsenal's Alex Iwobi, both of whom scored in Nigeria's 2-1 World Cup qualification opening win in Zambia, the Super Eagles aim to send Algeria back home empty-handed from Akwa Ibom this Saturday.

Easier said than done. Georges Leekens will lean on Leicester City's potent pair of Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez in attack, and Algeria hasn't lost a competitive outing since February 2015's narrow away defeat against the Ivory Coast.

The last time these African giants met was in 2010, when Victor Obinna's 56th-minute effort was enough to clinch third place for Nigeria at that year's Africa Cup of Nations.