Villa octet on duty

Currently lying second in Group 1, the Czechs are odds on to take one of the two best-placed runners-up spots on offer, but can push for top spot with victory over the Dutch in Prague. With Jan Koller and Vratislav Lokvenc both ruled out, Baroš is likely to make his return from injury as his side seek the win that would close the gap on the leaders to a single point with Wednesday’s games remaining. But Villa team-mate Bouma could well scupper those hopes (no, honestly).

Second is the best Denmark can hope for in Group 2, as the Ukraine are already confirmed table toppers. But Thomas Sørenson will have to be on top form if the side are to beat Greece and leapfrog the European champions into third place, a point behind Turkey, on whom they have a game in hand, in second. Things are altogether rosier for Mellberg, whose Swedish side lie atop Group 8, and victory over second-placed Croatia will secure Lars Lagerbäck’s side’s progression to Germany.

With no chance of qualifying, Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis has targeted third place in Group 6 as his side look to build on last month’s shock victory over England. He will come up against club-mate Mark Delaney when Lawrie Sanchez’s side face Wales at Windsor Park, the Welsh looking to avoid finishing at the foot of the section.

In South America, De la Cruz’s Ecuador stand on the brink of qualification, and go into their match at home to Uruguay knowing a single point would seal passage to only their second ever finals. Should he help to beat fifth-placed Uruguay, De La Cruz will provide villa team-mate with a huge opportunity to close in on the play-off place, with Colombia set to leapfrog them with a win over Chile.