Another international break, and this is full of pointless friendlies. But there are some massive games!
Well if you are Irish anyway... (hence putting this on the United and Liverpool board!)
The Republic of Ireland take on Denmark over 2 legs, while Northern Ireland have Switzerland. Croatia face Greece, and Italy play Sweden.
| CROATIA v GREECE |
2nd Leg - Sunday 12th November - 19:45 - Sky Sports Football
| NORTHERN IRELAND v SWITZERLAND |
2nd Leg - Sunday 12th November - 17:00 - Sky Sports Main Event
| SWEDEN v ITALY |
2nd Leg - Monday 13th November - 19:45 - Sky Sports Main Event
| DENMARK v REPUBLIC of IRELAND |
2nd Leg - Tuesday 14th November - 19:45 - Sky Sports Main Event
It is an interesting set of fixtures, where I don't think any side will be seen as comfortable favourites - although you have to sway towards the seeded teams.
It is not just Europe though. There are two inter-confederation play-offs as well:
| HONDURAS v AUSTRALIA |
2nd Leg - Wednesday 15th November
| NEW ZEALAND v PERU |
2nd Leg - Wednesday 15th November
Again, interesting fixtures. New Zealand will probably be thankful they are facing Peru rather than Argentina - something that looked a possibility on the final day of South American qualifying. Peru, though, are here on merit and I expect them to win.
Australia v Honduras will probably be decided on who travels better. I expect two home wins, so away goals could be key.
African qualification is also coming to its conclusion, with 3 places still up for grabs. Nigeria and Egypt have already qualified.
The big game is in Group C as Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire go head to head in the Ivory Coast. Morocco lead the Ivorians by a point.
All 4 teams can still qualify from Group D, but a crooked ref has muddied the waters. Senegal and South Africa have to play each other twice this week, after their first meeting was expunged from the records after the ref was banned. Senegal lead the group by 2 points from Burkina Faso and Cape Verde who play each other. South Africa are 4 points behind the leaders.
Tunisia just need a point at already eliminated Libya to beat DR Congo to Group As top spot.
Live games:
| SOUTH AFRICA v SENEGAL |
| COTE d'IVOIRE v MOROCCO |
For 9 teams this will be a great international break - no matter how much you hate them!!