Thereโs plenty to play for in tomorrowโs Euro 2012 final round of qualifying matches. With so many teams still in the mix, we bring you the likely starters ahead of a crucial night for Fantasy managers, with some brief South American news thrown in for good measure.
Simon Mignolet, Vincent Kompany and Moussa Dembele are all likely starters for Belgiumโs trip to Germany. All three were part of the starting XI that hammered Kazakhstan 4-1 โwith Kompany finding the net- on Friday, as they moved up to second in Group A. They need to equal or better Turkeyโs result in Azerbaijan to clinch a play-off place- Germany are already through as group winners.
Russia need a point at home to Andorra to clinch top spot in Group B. Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko started in Fridayโs key 1-0 win in Slovakia and both should continue in the first XI as Dick Advocaat looks to clinch the group in style.
The Republic of Ireland still have much to play for as they play host to Armenia. A point would be enough to see them grab a play-off place, though they could still finish top if Russia lose to Andorra- an unlikely scenario. Kevin Doyle was amongst the scorers in Fridayโs 2-0 win in Andorra and there will be plenty Fantasy managers with an eye on this one- the likes of Shay Given, John OโShea and Damien Duff all started, though Stephen Ward picked up a yellow on Friday and is suspended.
Northern Ireland have nothing more than pride to play for as they head to Italy. Nigel Worthingtonโs side will have to make do without Chris Brunt though- the West Brom player is sidelined with an ankle problem. Chris Baird was the only other Premier League starter on Friday in the 2-1 home defeat to Estonia.
Serbia need to win in Slovenia to book a play-off spot. Fridayโs 1-1 home draw with Italy saw Branislav Ivanovic net his countryโs goal, with Aleksandar Kolarov also starting. Despite reports suggesting Nemanja Vidic was hoping to be fit, he didnโt make the subโs bench.
Edin Dzeko will travel to Paris with Bosnia for a winner takes all showdown. Dzeko opened the scoring on Friday evening to set his country on their way to a 5-0 win over Luxemburg and will be a key figure as they square up to Laurent Blancโs side.
France are still sweating on the fitness of Yohan Cabaye and Patrice Evra ahead of the Group D game. A point is enough for the hosts, though whoever finishes second is still assured of a play-off place. Florent Malouda, Younes Kaboul and Samir Nasri all started in Fridayโs 3-0 win over Albania and look set to continue in Laurent Blancโs first XI tomorrow night.
Sweden are assured of a play-off place but host Group E winners Holland knowing a win would see them automatically qualify as best runners-up. Both Martin Olsson and Seb Larsson started and grabbed a goal apiece in Saturdayโs 2-0 win in Finland.
Hollandโs 1-0 win over Moldova clinched their place as group winners. Bert van Marwijk’s side have a 100% record so far and will be looking to maintain that as they travel to Sweden. Fantasy managers will be hoping rotation comes into play here- Michel Vorm, Rafael Van der Vaart, Dirk Kuyt and Robin Van Persie all started in Fridayโs triumph.
Croatiaโs 2-0 loss in Greece means they will likely finish runners-up in Group F- Greece need just a draw in Georgia to qualify automatically. Results elsewhere, however, could still see Croatia qualify as best runners-up, so Spurs trio Luka Modric, Niko Krancjar and Vedran Corluka all have plenty still to play for.
Wales are out of the race for qualification but their 2-0 win over Switzerland saw nine Premier League players start for Gary Speedโs side. Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will look to take their goalscoring form to Bulgaria on Tuesday night, with Fantasy managers also keeping a keen eye on the likes of Swansea defenders Neil Taylor and Ashley Williams.
A 4-1 win in Cyprus means Denmark host Portugal already assured of second place in Group H. A win would see them finish top, though a draw would favour the visitorsโ better head-to-head record- Thomas Sorenson and Nicklas Bendtner will be certain starters.
Two goals from Nani helped Portugal to a 5-3 win over Iceland on Friday night. Level on points with Denmark, they know a draw would be sufficient to ensure top spot. Raul Meireles also seems assured of a starting role in Tuesdayโs crucial showdown.
Spain continued their 100% record with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. Vicente del Bosque started with a trio of Premier League players; Juan Mata, David Silva and Fernando Torres- Mata opened the scoring, while Silva picked up an assist for Xabi Alonsoโs second. While Spain are coasting at the top of Group I and are already through to next yearโs tournament, their opponents on Tuesday have everything to play for.
Scotland travel to Spain still in with a chance of a play-off spot. Craig Levein has injury worries over Barry Bannan though the midfielder is feeling positive of his chances despite a gash to his right heel. Scotland are currently in second place in Group I and will cement a play-off place if they equal or better the Czech Republicโs score in Lithuania. Expect plenty of Premier League players to be involved in this crucial match- as many as eight started Saturdayโs 1-0 win win in Liechtenstein. Reports also suggest Charlie Adam and Phil Bardsley are both carrying knocks.
In the South American World Cup qualifiers, Pablo Zabaleta took to the field in Argentinaโs 4-1 win over Chile, with Sergio Agueroโs groin strain keeping him sidelined. Gonzalo Jara played for the visitors and both have games against Venezuela and Peru respectively tomorrow.
Luis Suarez scored in Uruguayโs 4-2 win over Bolivia and now faces a trip to Paraguay.
The African Cup of Nations qualifiers are now done and dusted. Yaya and Kolo Toure both scored in Ivory Coastโs 2-1 win over Burundi, with Cheik Tiote also playing for the victors, as they finished as the only team with a 100% record.
