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With club football taking a backseat once again for two weeks, we turn our attention to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Things are really heating up in the UEFA zone, where the last set of group fixtures will be played this month.
Germany and Denmark are the only two sides to have confirmed their places in the Qatar showpiece. Meanwhile, many big guns are in the reckoning to join the duo.
On that note, here's a look at the top five storylines to watch out for in the final week of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the UEFA zone before the playoffs:
#5 Wales, Scotland looking to end drought
Wales haven't qualified for the FIFA World Cup since 1958, which remains the only time they have participated in the quadrennial tournament.
However, that drought could end soon. Third in Group E with 11 points and a game in hand over second-placed Czech Republic, The Dragons could book a place in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Belarus are already eliminated from the race, sitting rock bottom in the group. They may not pose much of a challenge to Wales, but it's the latter's final game to Belgium which could present a huge challenge.
Should Wales pick up at least four points from these two games, Rob Page's side will enter the playoffs ahead of the Czechs, who're likely to beat Estonia and finish on 14 points.
Scotland, meanwhile, were last seen at the FIFA World Cup in 1998, but that drought could end, as they're primed to finish second in Group F.
With Denmark having already booked their place, the Tartan Army are four points ahead of third-placed Israel. So a victory away to Moldova on Friday would be enough for Scotland o qualify for the playoffs.
#4 Four-way battle for second place in Group J
Germany became the first team from the UEFA zone to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in October. Now, the focus shifts to an enticing race between four nations for second place, and they all are in action on Thursday.
Romania host Iceland, while North Macedonia are away to Armenia, who face Germany on the final day. Any of these sides can qualify for the playoffs, including Iceland, who're albeit down in fourth place with only eight points.
Armenia were the frontrunners back in March, having started their campaign with three consecutive wins. However, a dip in form after that - Armenia haven't won since then - has allowed the others to catch up.
#3 Memphis Depay destined to be the top-scorer?
Memphis Depay has undoubtedly been the star of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers in the UEFA zone. He has scored more goals (9) and made more assists (6) than anyone else.
However, with only two more games remaining, can he still finish as the top-scorer? He could score against Montenegro, but Norway have had a stiff defensive line.
The usual suspects, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, are on five goals apiece. So they will have to produce something remarkable to catch up with the Barcelona striker.
Depay's biggest competition, though, has come from Israel's Eran Zahavi, who's just one goal behind him. Zahavi will look to add to his tally against the Faroe Islands and Austria.
Should any of these sides (Netherlands, Israel, Portugal and Poland) come second, the said players will have a few more opportunities to add to their tallies in the playoffs.
#2 Spain, Croatia under pressure
Former FIFA World Cup winners Spain, too, are facing a daunting home stretch in their qualifying campaign, as they face Greece and Sweden.
The Blagult are currently leading Group B with 15 points, two more than La Roja, whom they face on the final day after their challenging trip to Greece.
Greece, the Euro 2004 winners, are in third place with nine points and play both their games this month at home. Their other game will be against the already-eliminated Kosovo.
Over in Group H, Croatia are in a similar situation, with Russia currently leading the race for a direct World Cup spot with 19 points. They have two more points than the 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up.
Interestingly, Croatia and Russia will meet on the last matchday. Should Russia beat Cyprus and Croatia overcome Malta this week, that will set-up a mouth-watering finale.
#1 Italy, Netherlands on the cusp of returning to the World Cup fold
Italy and the Netherlands were two of the biggest absentees from Europe in the last FIFA World Cup.
The Azzurri failed to qualify for the quadrennial tournament for the first time since 1958. They have revived themselves under Roberto Mancini, who steered them to Euro 2020 glory earlier this year.
They're level on points with Switzerland in Group C. With the two neighbours meeting on Friday, which is likely going to be an enticing clash, the winner will also win the group.
Should they draw, Italy will lead the Swiss. But they will then need to beat Northern Ireland away on the final day, with La Nati playing at home against Bulgaria.
The Netherlands will have to go through a similar situation against the second-placed team in their group, Norway. The two teams meet next week on the final matchday.
Only a victory will do for Ering Halaand and co. as they trail the Oranje by three points. Meanwhile, defeat in Amsterdam will open up an opportunity for Turkey to sneak into the World Cup playoffs.
