Europe's group leaders will be looking to consolidate their positions today in what should be a relatively pain-free round of World Cup qualifiers. The Republic of Ireland's Group Two is the tightest of all. With the Dutch not playing in midweek, Portugal are set to move into second place after their match at home to Cyprus.
Italy, seven points clear of Romania in Group Eight and vying with Poland to be Europe's first team to qualify, have the day off. Giovanni Trapattoni's men will instead be hoping for an upset when the Romanians travel to win-less Lithuania.
There could be a slight change at the top in Group Four, where leaders Turkey and Sweden, level on 14 points, are separated by a single goal and are both looking for big wins. Turkey are at home to Macedonia, while the Swedes host an even weaker Moldova team. Top spot will go to any side capable of delivering a goal bonanza.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)