Several big teams face potentially tricky encounters in the latest round of qualifying for the European Championship this week, with the Netherlands among them as it takes a depleted squad to Moldova.
Despite the absence of forwards Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie because of long-term injuries, the Dutch opted to leave out Nigel de Jong as punishment for the midfielder's leg-breaking tackle on an opponent in the English Premier League.
The move won praise from commentators but could complicate the Netherlands' task Friday against a side that beat Finland in its opening qualifier.
Also Friday, Germany hosts Turkey, Italy is at Northern Ireland and Portugal hosts Denmark, while under-pressure France hosts Romania in one of two matches Saturday.
World and defending European champion Spain has what should be a straightforward assignment against Lithuania on Friday, but the Netherlands will have to adapt to the loss of key players.
Rafael van der Vaart has been in top form since joining London club Tottenham from Real Madrid in August and, while he is a more skillful and less combative player, said he wants to replace De Jong in central midfield.
"He's a hard player, we all know that, but also a very good player who was in top form so it's a shame he's not here," Van der Vaart said. "But I think it's better for him. It gets him away from the media attention and people talking about it.
"I hope I can play there. I like the position and think I can play well there."
De Jong, who seriously injured an opponent earlier this year and was censured by commentators for his rough play in July's 1-0 World Cup final loss against Spain, was dropped for breaking the leg of Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa.
"I've seen harder tackles but it's sad that the boy broke his leg and that's what it's about," Van der Vaart said.
Moldova beat Finland 2-0 last month before losing 2-1 at Hungary, which hosts San Marino.
The Netherlands shares the lead of Group E with Sweden after winning its opening two matches. Sweden is idle until the top two meet next Tuesday.
Group A leader Germany will host Turkey at Berlin's Olympic Stadium without key midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is out with a foot injury. Otherwise, coach Joachim Loew can call on much of the squad that took Germany to third place at the World Cup.
"In our current situation, it isn't necessary to make big changes," Loew said. "We are trusting particularly in the proven players who were at the World Cup and fulfilled expectations in the victories in European Championship qualifying in September."
Loew said Germany was "prepared" to face vocal Turkish support in Berlin, which has a large Turkish community.
Like Germany, Turkey has won its opening two qualifiers and trails the three-time European champion only on goal difference.
Italy finally burst into life after its poor showing at the World Cup with a 5-0 win over Faeroe Islands last month, but now faces an opponent that put up a strong showing in qualifying for the last World Cup and won its opening qualifier for Euro 2012 1-0 at Slovenia.
Northern Ireland has beaten England and Spain on their visits to Belfast over recent years.
"At home over the last few years we've had some really good results," defender Aaron Hughes said. "We beat a lot of good teams that were ranked higher than us at home.
"Our home form is strong and we should go into the game with plenty of confidence, but it would be extremely dangerous to go into the match thinking Italy aren't what they used to be because the team is full of quality players."
Portugal, under new coach Paulo Bento, is languishing in fourth place in the five-team Group H and desperately needs to take points off second-place Denmark, while the Czech Republic needs a win after a 1-0 loss to Lithuania at home in its opening qualifier.
"No doubt, that's an extremely important game because we lost to Lithuania," captain Tomas Rosicky said. "We should follow the example of France that recovered from losing the opening qualifier and managed to win the following important match."
France lost 1-0 to visiting Belarus before a 2-0 win at Bosnia-Herzegovina, but is still under pressure as it trails Albania and Belarus in Group D.
Group F co-leaders Croatia and Israel meet in Saturday's other game, while Montenegro and Switzerland meet in Group G. Group G co-leader England does not play until Tuesday, when it meets Montenegro.
