Republic of Ireland vs Germany
The reigning world champions will travel to Republic of Ireland for their next 2016 European Championship qualifying tie. The Germans are currently sitting atop the standings in Group D, two points ahead of Poland and four clear of the Irishmen. A win for Martin O’Neill’s side could put them second in the group if other results go their way, while a draw will all but secure their place for a playoff spot. However, a win for the Germans will take them a step closer to topping the group when the final rounds of the qualification games conclude. Joachim Low’s men have won six out of their eight games – they have drawn one and lost one to Poland – and it will be difficult for the Irish to stop the reigning world champions.
Portugal vs Denmark
In a top of the table clash in Group I, Portugal will play host to Denmark on 8th October. The Portuguese are currently sitting atop the standings in their group, having won five and lost only once – against Albania – from their first six games. The Danes are three points behind the table toppers with three wins, as many draws and a solitary defeat from their seven games. A win for Fernando Santos’ men will secure their place in the finals due to be played in France next summer, whereas three points for the Scandinavians will increase the gap between themselves and third placed Albania. Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t quite turned on the style in the Euro qualifiers yet, and it remains to be seen if he finally lights up the qualifiers with a superlative display against the Danes.
Spain vs Luxembourg
The reigning European champions are sitting comfortably atop their group standings with 21 points from their eight games so far. They have seven wins and a solitary defeat in the qualifiers so far. Vicente de Bosque’s men are two points clear of second placed Slovakia, who are lying in third, while Friday’s opponents are second from the bottom with a mere four points in their kitty. Spain have seen a huge change in personnel since their disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign as Xabi Alonso and Xavi Hernandez have bid adieu to the national team. Andres Iniesta is currently nursing an injury and it will give Del Bosque a chance to try out some of the exciting talents at his disposal.
England vs Estonia
Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions will play host to European minnows Estonia at Wembley in their penultimate Euro 2016 qualifier. England have sealed their place in the finals due to be held in France next summer as they sit nine points clear of Switzerland in Group E. The hosts will be led by Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and the forward, who became the all-time leading goalscorer for the Three Lions in their last qualifier, will be hoping to reclaim some of his lustre in a match that is expected to be cakewalk for the 1966 World Cup winners.