The home nations and Republic of Ireland are in action tonight, with each of the five countries facing a stern test in their respective World Cup 2014 qualification fixtures. However, the spotlight will be shining brighter on Scotland boss Chris Levein and Ireland’s Giovanni Trapattoni, whose futures are both shredded in doubt.
Levein's reign could come to an end tonight if his side suffer a defeat away to Belgium. Levein is currently under an avalanche of pressure following Scotland's poor start to their qualification campaign and the likes of Gordon Strachan, Alex McLeish and Owen Coyle are currently lying in wait in the Next Scotland Manager Odds should he be axed.
Trapattoni is also under-fire after Ireland's humiliating 6-1 thrashing at home to Germany. It was Ireland's worst ever competitive home defeat but, they have the chance to bounce back against the Faroe Islands tonight, in what could prove to be the Italian's final match in charge. The Group C minnows gave Sweden a scare last week and will be looking for a shock win against an Irish side severely lacking in confidence. Former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is the early frontrunner in the Next Republic of Ireland Manager market.
Northern Ireland gaffer Michael O'Neill takes his troops to Portugal where they face an almost impossible task against Christiano Ronaldo and co. The Green and White Army are the huge underdogs and could very easily be on the wrong end of a heavy defeat. O'Neill has yet to taste a win since his appointment at the backend of 2011 and that elusive search for a maiden victory will no doubt be extended after tonight's match.
The pressure has eased on Wales manager Chris Coleman, who on Friday finally picked up his first win in charge after his side's dramatic late comeback at home to Scotland. Coleman had previously lost all five of his matches at the helm but will now look for his side to push on and attempt to make an impact in Group A. Meanwhile England are in action away to Poland and will once again be expected to come away with the three points in order to stamp their authority in Group H.
