UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifying Previews
An enthralling finale awaits...
By Subhankar Mondal
Both Russia and Romania have 21 points with the former in pole position but only just. However, that could change as the two nations go head-to-head on Friday. The other sides in the group are out of contention.
Group 2
Switzerland are top of this group but only just. The Swiss have garnered 17 points having played a game more than Turkey and Georgia, who are second and third respectively. Swizerland host the Republic of Ireland while Turkey and Georgia confront each other on Saturday.
Group 3
Wales are ahead of Hungary by just a point and the two take on each other on Saturday. Third-places Italy are away at Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Group 4
The Netherlands have already qualified for next summer's event as Group 4 winners and travel to Spain, who are second in the standings.

Group 5
The Czech Republic are in pole position in the group and have yet to draw or lose a match. A win against the already eliminated Germany on Friday will see them win the group and qualify.
Group 6
Sweden host Israel and will aim to collect maximum points so that they can qualify for the championship - even a point will be enough for the Swedes. Second-placed Montenegro, three points behind the Scandinavians, are not in action until next week.
Group 7
A win for Croatia against Serbia away from home on Saturday will see them win the group. Slovakia, who are two points behind the Croats. are not in action this week.
Group 8
The top three sides - Ukraine, Belgium and France - all have the chance to qualify as group winner. Ukraine are in pole position and host third-placed France on Friday while Belgium travel to Slovenia. Ukraine have 14 points from six games, Belgium 14 from seven and France 11 from six.
Group 9
Greece are in pole position and are ahead of England by five points. England and third-placed Portugal take on each other in Friday and should that end in a draw, then the Greeks will qualify irrespective of their result against Macedonia on Saturday.
Group 10
Only a point separates the top three teams in Group 10 with Austria top with 14 points from seven matches, Scotland and Belarus second and third with 13 points from six matches. Scotland and Belarus confront each other first on Friday and next week Scotland welcome Austria in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the group.
-
Key battles: Manchester United v Liverpool
The former Reds defender believes that the Uruguayan must put controversy to the back of his mind when his team face the champions
-
Capello-Terry debacle won't be the last FA scandal
Keir Radnedge takes a trip down memory lane and concludes that the FA will continue to frustrate friend and foe alike following the England manager's resignation
-
AC Milan have one match to get back on track
The Rossoneri appeared to be building momentum ahead of the Derby della Madonnina but since losing to Inter the flaws that were evident at the start of the season have resurfaced
-
The Sweeper: Bale will not renew Spurs contract
Goal.com can also reveal that Guus Hiddink is ready to consider a return to club management and explains how West Brom's coaches are the poor relations of the Premier League
-
Why Real Madrid don't want to host the Copa final
The capital club are doing everything in their power to prevent their fiercest rivals from turning their famous ground into a Blaugrana base for the day against Athletic Bilbao
