Midweek TV Preview: 12 - 14 October

Monday 12th October

19:45 Tranmere Rovers v Stockport County, League One, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Rovers are now John Barnes-free after a pretty awful start to the campaign. County are only a few places above them. Needless to say both teams are skint and don't have much to work with, squad wise.

Wednesday 14th October

17:00 Germany v Finland, World Cup Qualifier, ESPN
Rendered somewhat redundant after Germany's lucky victory in Russia. Germany have qualified and Russia will have to play off. Everything else is settled in this group.

19:30 Czech Republic v Northern Ireland, World Cup Qualifier, BBC2 Northern Ireland/Red Button
The Czechs have a slight chance of overhauling Slovenia for second place if they beat the dogged Ulstermen. However, the Slovenians will have to draw or lose to San Marino for that to happen. Unlikely.

19:45 Republic of Ireland v Montenegro, World Cup Qualifier, Sky Sports 2/HD2
The last minute heartbreak at Croke Park against those moustache-twirling Italians has condemned the Republic to the "lottery of the play-offs" as they are inaccurately called. Thus we have another dead rubber to avoid.

20:00 England v Belarus, World Cup Qualifier, ITV1/HD
Much like this one. England's failure in Ukraine has added a modicum of spice to a pointless affair. The biggest question is what will Rio do next? Yes I'm afraid it really is that bad.

23:00 Uruguay v Argentina, World Cup Qualifier, Sky Sports 1
Finally. A game worth watching. Argentina were seconds from oblivion against Peru last Saturday before the evergreen Martin Palermo popped up at the far post to send the Argentine fans into rapture and Maradona on one of the greatest belly-flops in world soccer. So it's off to Uruguay then. A win for the home side and they're through automatically. Combine that with a win for Ecuador against Chile and Argentina are out of the World Cup. No play off, no nothing, just lots of recriminations.

(All times - UK)