The English Premier League is taking a break this weekend with all the international football going on. All four home countries plus the Republic of Ireland are involved although their games have varying degrees of importance.
Belfast Telegraph Sports Editor Steven Beacom chooses the most intriguing fixtures and gives his expert verdict.
(All matches are European Championship qualifiers and kick-off at 7.30pm on Saturday night unless stated).
NORTHERN IRELAND v DENMARK (Saturday 7.45pm)
Start with the big one. The matches against England and Spain in recent years here may have been more glamorous, but without question this is the most important game of football played in this country for the last 20 years
It's MASSIVE. The Danes are a top side and should not be underestimated. They have numerous classy players with Sevilla's Christian Poulsen probably the best of the lot.
But the match is at Windsor Park. And that counts for so much these days.
Northern Ireland know a win is required to keep the Euro 2008 dream alive. The way this campaign has gone for our wee country, it just has to go down to that last game in Spain, doesn't it?
It should be tight and the home side must start well. If they do that, another glory night at Windsor will be on the cards.
Beacom Prediction: 2-1.
SPAIN v SWEDEN (Saturday 9pm)
There is no point in the Northern Ireland players thinking about this match. They can't do anything about it and might as well just let the Swedes and Spanish get on with it.
Spain know a win will take them through to the finals in Austria and Switzerland but they will have to get it without influential Liverpool duo Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres. They do have the genius that is Cesc Fabregas though and if the Arsenal midfielder reproduces his club form, Spain should come through.
Sweden did beat them in the previous match though and tend to raise their game when they are perceived to be up against it. Remind you of anyone?
Against Northern Ireland last month the Swedes disappointed their fans, who will be looking for a reaction.
This is a tough one to call but with home advantage Spain might just edge it, and that would mean Northern Ireland fans supporting Latvia, who play the Swedes on Wednesday, in the last round of matches.
Beacom Prediction: 2-1.
SCOTLAND v ITALY (Saturday 5pm)
The atmosphere at Hampden is going to be special. The Tartan Army will be in full voice and giving it absolutely everything in order to help their team gain the victory they need to qualify.
When this group was drawn out, Scotland were given no chance.
They didn't just have the World Champions Italy to deal with. They also had France, who reached the World Cup final, and a strong looking Ukraine team to conquer, but boy have they done the business under both Walter Smith and Alex McLeish.
Victory for the Scots would be popular here, but I just can't imagine a major tournament without the Italians and French and that's why I think they will eventually come through.
Unless of course James McFadden comes up with more magic.
Beacom Prediction: 1-2.
WALES v REPUBLIC of IRELAND (Saturday 3pm)
So, who is going to be the new Republic manager? Gerard Houllier, Terry Venables and Graeme Souness have all been touted as a potential replacement for the departed Steve Staunton.
If the FAI are smart - that's a laugh - they should go for Paul Jewell.
The former Wigan boss would get them going.
As for tomorrow's game, I'm not sure who cares less - the Welsh or Irish fans.
Maybe they can all get together before the match and discuss how the football and rugby teams are so appalling right now.
Beacom Prediction: 2-2.
AUSTRIA v ENGLAND (Friendly, Tonight 8pm)
The most important match for England this weekend is happening in Israel.
The match in Vienna tonight was organised because the English FA thought it would be good preparation for their side ahead of the finals in Austria next year. Nice one lads.
As I've said before in this newspaper I want England to qualify because major tournaments just aren't the same without them.
Expect England to get a result tonight with Michael Owen on target and then they can start praying for Israel to do them a favour.
Beacom Prediction; 1-3.
ISRAEL v RUSSIA (Saturday 6pm)
All England fans will be roaring on Israel. Guus Hiddink's Russia know that victory for them will take them through. Fancy a draw and Israel to save Steve McClaren's neck for the time being at least.
Remember Israel are a proud nation and wouldn't want to lose a game of tig, let alone a football match on their own turf.
Read more:
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/steven-beacom-international-predictions-13495005.html#ixzz1WXgNi8eC
