EURO 2004 COUNTDOWN
Switzerland v Ireland The Republic of Ireland go to Switzerland hoping to roll over the home nation, secure in the knowledge that a win would snatch top spot and automatic qualification.
The Swiss will not be relishing the cup tie aspect of the final game in Group 10 and central defender Gary Breen says that is where the advantage lies with his side. The Sunderland defender said: "We've been here before and when it hots up Switzerland will get nervous.
"I'm one of five or six players in our squad who have been in this position before, with the play-offs. We're treating this as a cup tie, like the play-offs but Switzerland won't be looking forward to it because they have led from day one and now they need a result."
Goalkeeper Shay Given, who was a hero when the Irish beat Iran to reach last year's World Cup Finals, added: "With the players we have we don't fear anyone."
Robbie Keane is the only injury worry for the Irish as he missed training on Wednesday with a slight knee problem but he is expected to play. Manager Brian Kerr also missed training on Wednesday as he was bed-ridden with flu.
Ireland must win in Switzerland and hope that Russia fail to beat Georgia. If that happens then it will be an achievement to match that of reaching last year's World Cup Finals.
Wales v Serbia-Montenegro
Wales are already certain of a play-off place but if there's a miracle and Italy fail to beat Azerbaijan the Welsh can sneak into Euro 2004 if they vanquish Serbia-Montenegro.
Robbie Savage has recovered from injury and seems certain to play at The Millennium Stadium while John Hartson knows that it is time for the team to deliver. The Celtic striker says: "We have not won for four games. We have to put that right on Saturday."
Veteran Gary Speed, who will again skipper the side echoed the sentiments of Savage and Hartson by saying. " We can beat anybody at home." That claim will be put to the test as the draw for the Euro 2004 play-offs will take place in Frankfurt on Monday.
Scotland v Lithuania
Scotland need to beat Lithuania and hope that Iceland, currently ahead of them in second place, lose in Germany but injuries to Bertie Vogts' squad have hit their plans.
After Paul Devlin joined Paul Lambert, Paul Dickov, Stevie Thompson, Andy Gray and Neil McCann on the absentee list there was a hasty recall for Don Hutchison, who has been easing his way back to fitness with West Ham.
'Hutch' admitted the call-up came as a shock, saying: "It was a big surprise. I didn't expect it and it came completely out of the blue. It is always a big thing for me to play for Scotland but I am ready to go."
Lithuania coach Algimantus Liubinskas has injury problems of his own but is talking a good game ahead of Saturday's Hampden Park fixture. He says: "We are missing four key players but we want to bring Scotland to their knees with lightning counter-attacks. We intend to give them a battle."
Greece v Northern Ireland It's for sure that the Northern Irish team will be glad to see the back of 2003 and the Euro 2004 qualifiers. Without a goal or a win in the seven games thus far they couldn't be worse prepared for this final game, which the Greeks need to win to ensure qualification for Portugal.
Manager Sammy McIlroy is without several first choice players; Damien Johnson, Paul McVeigh, Tommy Doherty, Phil Mulryne and Grant McCann but did receive a boost with the news that Keith Gillespie linked up with the squad on Wednesday, after coming through his weekend game for Leicester City.
Gillespie's recovery from an ankle injury is a real plus for McIlroy who still feels his side can buck their recent form and cause an upset in Greece. He said: "It's a bit of a blow for us to be missing so many players but we won't lie down and die."
