ROMANIA, the Republic of Ireland's main rivals in Group Eight, should increase their lead to five points when they play Liechtenstein at home today.
A win for Denmark against Croatia in Group One would put them in top spot, as would an Italian victory over Moldova in Trieste in Group Two. Scotland, fresh from their 0-0 draw against Estonia in Monaco in a rearranged match last month, renew hostilities against the Baltic nation, this time at Kilmarnock.
Group Five leaders Russia, ahead of Israel on goal difference, have the chance to increase their lead at Cyrpus, though Israel should win in Luxembourg tomorrow to maintain their challenge for top spot outright. Group Seven leaders Holland should surely beat San Marino, putting pressure on second-placed Wales who host third-placed Belgium.
Italian and Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has pulled out of the Moldova match in Trieste. Doctors confirmed after ultrasound treatment that Ravanelli had a pulled right hamstring and Italian federation doctor Andrea Ferretti confirmed: "It is impossible for him to recover in time to be able to play."
Midfielder Richard Witschge has been included in Holland's squad against San Marino - the first time he has been called up by Guus Hiddink since their disappointing Euro 96 campaign.
