'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQb/2gAIAQEAAAAAhyf/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAF/9oACAECEAAAAD//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAEDEAAAAB//xAAhEAACAQMDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwQAARIFBhEHFCKRlP/aAAgBAQABPwAdhxQgKQ3XIZhIbbNnatzEhHx493ounScr87ghfE2v/8QAGhEAAAcAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECFFKh0f/aAAgBAgEBPwB8uJXo/8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBEhP/2gAIAQMBAT8A3aiyf//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
For the fifth and final time this calendar year, we are heading into an international break and it is arguably the most important stoppage of all.
Twenty three teams have already booked their tickets to Russia for next year's World Cup and the battle for the remaining nine spots is to play out over the next ten days in the all-important play-off rounds.
There are some enticing fixtures lined-up in the European play-offs, as the eight teams in contention prepare to learn their fate. Here's how I expect the games to unfold...
#4 Denmark vs Republic of Ireland
Despite boasting some legendary names in their history, Republic of Ireland's tryst with the World Cup has always ended in painful heartbreak. With only three appearances at the finals to show for their efforts, The Green Army are on the cusp of another historic qualification.
The road to the playoffs has been anything but straightforward for Martin O'Neill's side though, with the nation having registered just five victories out of ten. The next challenge presents itself in the form of an exciting and dynamic Denmark side aspiring to make history themselves.
The Danish side have shown a lot of promise in the qualifiers, but still fell short of direct qualification. Their history at World Cup tournaments isn't any better than their opposition, but there's no doubting they withhold the potential to overturn O'Neill's boys.
Historically speaking, Ireland hold the upper hand over Denmark, winning five of the thirteen clashes to-date, losing only three. That said, they'll need more than just history on their side if they are to prevail against an in-form Denmark team, which has proven potent up-front.
With the first leg being held in Copenhagen, it is imperative for O'Neill's side to snatch an away goal, as Denmark have proved to be indomitable at home.
Verdict - A difficult match-up that's tough to predict, but expect Denmark's clinical gameplay to outmaneuver a relatively restrained Ireland side.
Predicted score: Denmark 2-2 Republic of Ireland (on aggregate). Danes to progress on away goals.
Key players: Denmark: Christian Eriksen, Thomas Delaney; Ireland - James McClean, Daryl Murphy
#3 Northern Ireland vs Switzerland
One might bet their bottom dollar on Switzerland in this one, given their exceptional run of form in the first nine games of the qualifiers. The Rossocrociati were flying, surpassing every stumbling block on their way, until they met a slightly superior Portugal outfit on the final matchday and fell into the play-off spots.
It was devastating for Vladimir Petkovic's side but all is not lost just yet for the Swiss who now have to triumph in a double-legged affair with Northern Ireland to ensure qualification. Their opponents will pose no easy encounter however, after they impressed in a group comprised of both Germany and Czech Republic.
Switzerland and Northern Ireland are relatively unfamiliar to each other, having played on only four occasions previously, the last of which came way back in 2004. However, both sides have shown valiant spirit in the qualifiers, meaning the tie will likely be a tightly-contested, yet exciting one.
Verdict - Northern Ireland may cause a few issues for Petkovic and co. in the first leg when they at home, but Switzerland have the might to shrug it all off in the return.
Predicted score: Northern Ireland 1-3 Switzerland (on aggregate)
Key players: Northern Ireland - Kyle Lafferty, Steven Davis; Switzerland - Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka
#2 Croatia vs Greece
The fixture looks tilted in favour of the Croats, but a closer analysis their qualification campaign will propose second thoughts. Grouped alongside the likes of Iceland, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland and Kosovo, The Blazers were expected to comfortably seal the top spot and achieve automatic qualification for Russia next year. Instead they ended up finishing two points behind a high-flying Iceland side.
Greece are the final hurdle standing in their way and they've caused an upset of their own by consigning Bosnia and Herzegovina to third, the side everyone expected to go through the group behind leaders Belgium.
With a solitary defeat in ten qualifying rounds - a 2-1 loss at home to the blistering Belgium - the former European champions have shown the grit and gall to withstand the tests they were put through. And one can be certain that the Sky Blue-White aren't going to make it any easier for Croatia either.
Verdict - We can expect Greece to fight tooth and nail again and put Croatia under the cosh on occasions, but the latter's quality will likely settle the tie.
Predicted score: Croatia 4-2 Greece (on aggregate)
Key players: Croatia - Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic; Greece - Konstantinos Mitroglou, Vasilis Torosidis
#1 Italy vs Sweden
The top billing of this year's European play-offs has to be Italy's match-up with a spirited Sweden, who, four years previously, were dispatched at this stage by a scintillating Portugal side, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo who bagged a blistering hat-trick at the time.
The qualifiers this time out weren't particularly forgiving to them either, having been drawn against heavyweights such as France and the Netherlands. That said, they are still in the reckoning, whilst the Dutch are grappling with the harsh reality of having missed out on another major tournament altogether. And that's why the Azzurris should not take anything for granted in this tie.
The four-time world champions were humbled 3-0 by Spain in qualifying and such a result effectively sealed their fate, although there were many more quibbles on the road. Against minnows such as Macedonia, Albania and Israel, Italy struggled and it was only a series of late goals or inspired substitutions that saved them from failure to even make the play-offs.
Emulations of such feeble showings would drastically hamper their chances of sealing qualification as Sweden have been far more fearsome so far. Ciro Immobile has done most of the heavy-lifting so far for Italy, but he alone can't drag them through another treacherous test.
Verdict - On paper, this should be the most closely contested game. Sweden might ruffle a few feathers, but Italy should advance off the back of an improved show. Another tragic near-miss tale for the Blagult.
Predicted score: Italy 3-2 Sweden (on aggregate)
Key players: Italy - Ciro Immobile, Gianluigi Buffon; Sweden - Marcus Berg, Emil Forsberg
