Friday night will throw up some intriguing games in the race to qualify for the Euro 2012 Championships in Poland and the Ukraine and it’s a big night for the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales for very different reasons.
The Republic have a crucial away trip to the continent to take on Andorra in what is a must-win for manager Giovanni Trapattoni and his men (Andorra 33/1, draw 12/1, ROI 1/20).
A victory on the road and a win against Armenia on Tuesday night would secure at least a play-off place for the Irishmen, who have enjoyed a decent qualifying campaign so far.
However they will not want to be looking too far ahead and must first focus on bagging the three points in Andorra.
Ireland currently sit in second place in Group B behind Russia but would overtake the favourites if they secured a victory on Friday night and the Russians failed to do likewise.
And Ireland really should come away with the win, as Andorra are one of only two teams in any group to have not picked up a single point in qualification so far.
Ireland will have Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne out of action due to suspension, however Darren O’Dea, who is on loan with Leeds United from Celtic, is set to deputise in a strong Republic side.
It’s hard to see the Andorrans causing any problems for Trapattoni’s men and it will be important for his side to improve their goal difference, with this group looking like it will come down to the wire.
A game that’s important for different reasons is Northern Ireland’s clash with Estonia, as under pressure manager Nigel Worthington looks to prove his doubters wrong (NI Evs, draw 12/5, Estonia 11/4).
The Ulstermen’s chances are all but over for qualifying for Euro 2012, and with another major tournament slipping them by, people have called for a fresh face to be brought into the managerial hot seat.
With only two wins from their eight games so far, Northern Ireland have struggled to compete with the likes of Italy and Serbia.
However in Estonia, Worthington’s men have a real chance of pulling off a win if they can be backed by the home support at Windsor Park.
The Baltic nation have won two more games in Group C, however in what is likely to be a wet and windy night at Windsor Park, Northern Ireland might just pull off a victory for their under pressure boss.
Another manager who would love to see his side pick up three points is Wales manager Gary Speed, who has not made a smooth transition into international football on the none-playing side.
Wales’ most capped outfield player sees his side sit rock bottom of Pool G, which also includes the likes of England, Montenegro and Bulgaria.
Friday’s opponents for the Welsh at the Liberty Stadium will be Switzerland, who still have a chance to qualify for Euro 2012 (Wales 10/3, draw 13/5, Switzerland 4/5).
Speed has some injury concerns with Jack Collison and Andy King join fellow midfielder Joe Ledley on the list of absentees, in what is already a limited Wales squad.
Switzerland have proved to be an efficient team which can grind out results and unfortunately for Speed and his men, it could be another disappointing night for the Welsh.
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