Race for Portugal resumes

Second place struggle
Reigning European champions and runaway Group 1 leaders France are not in action so the attention in this section falls on the sides fighting for second place - and that all important play-off slot. The match between Israel and Slovenia will have a significant bearing while a win for Cyprus against Malta would move them into contention. (Click here for a full Group 1 preview).

Tighter group
Group 2 is somewhat tighter with just four points separating the top four. Norway lead with ten points as they make the short trip to face Denmark, who are second with seven, while Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina meet in Craiova hoping to stay in touch. (Click here for group preview).

Dutch hopes
In Group 3, the Netherlands can hit the front with leaders Czech Republic not in action until Wednesday. To do so the Dutch must win in Belarus - where they lost en route to qualifying for EURO 96™. Likewise, third-placed Austria cannot afford to slip up in Moldova. (Click here for group preview).

Big game for Latvia
Group 4 has been the most unpredictable section so far, with surprise leaders Latvia currently three points clear of second-placed Poland, and Sweden and Hungary a further point back. The Latvians play host to Hungary in what some are calling the most important game in the Baltic nation's history. Sweden, meanwhile, simply must win in San Marino. (Click here for group preview).

Vogts reunion
Three-times European champions Germany can take a firm hold on Group 5 if they beat a Scotland side led by Berti Vogts, the man who coached the Germans to victory at EURO 96™. At present Germany, Scotland and Lithuania are all on seven points - Iceland can also get into the mix if they beat the Faroe Islands. (Click here for group preview).

Spain look to consolidate
In Group 6, Spain know that a home win against Greece will consolidate their position while closest challengers Ukraine play Armenia knowing that anything less than victory will probably end their hopes of winning the section. (Click here for group preview).

Chance for Turkey
With England not in action until Wednesday, Turkey can regain top spot in Group 7 if they win in Slovakia. The day's other game sees F.Y.R. Macedonia chase their first win of the campaign against Liechtenstein. (Click here for group preview).

Bulgarians face Belgians
A win against Belgium would tighten Bulgaria's hold on Group 8, while Estonia can continue the Baltic reniassance if they overcome Andorra. (Click here for group preview). Serbia and Montenegro travel to Finland knowing a defeat would deal a serious blow to their hopes in Group 9, given they trail leaders Wales by seven points. The second-placed Italians both play on Wednesday. (Click here for group preview).

Intriguing games
Finally Group 10 sees two intriguing games. Russia started their campaign with two wins but defeats against Albania and Georgia have since handed Switzerland the initiative. The top two meet in Basel on Saturday - with the Swiss on eight points and the Russians on six. The Republic of Ireland and Albania meet in Dublin hoping to narrow the gap at the top. (Click here for group preview).