Midweek TV Preview: 11 - 12 October

Monday 11 October

19.45 Brazil v Ukraine, International Friendly, ESPN
Pride Park hosts an intriguing encounter between two teams in transition. New Brazil manager Mano Menesez has two wins from his games in charge, as his side look to rebuild their reputation after heavy criticism of the Dunga era. Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine are unbeaten since losing their World Cup play off against Greece but under caretaker management have put in some unimpressive performances including a 2-2 draw with Canada in Kiev at the weekend.

19.45 Swindon Town v Bristol Rovers, League One, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Swindon will be without Paul Caddis and Thomas Dossevi thanks to international call ups; added to a lengthening injuries list they could struggle against an in-form Bristol Rovers side who put seven goals against them in their two games last season.

19.45 Scotland v Iceland, UEFA U21 European Championship Play off 2nd leg (1-2), Sky Sports 4/HD4
All to play for here, as the Scots attempt to claw back their one-goal disadvantage. Things could have been better for them after they took an early lead in Rekyavik but this Iceland side are no mugs, having got the better of Germany in their qualifying group. The away goals rule applies so a single goal will be enough for the home team.


Tuesday 12 October

12.30 Romania v England, UEFA U21 European Championship Play off 2nd leg (1-2), ESPN
England will have to manage without the services of Jack Wilshere who has joined the full squad for the game against Montenegro later the same day. Stuart Pearce's team will need at least another goal against a very attack minded Romanian side.

16.00 Faroe Islands v Northern Ireland, Euro 2012 Qualifying Group C, Sky Sports 1/HD1
A fascinating group - certainly one in which you can't see one side running away with the points. Northern Ireland have had a solid start so far and a win here will propel them up the table especially with Italy playing Serbia later.

19.30 Slovakia v Republic of Ireland, Euro 2012 Qualifying Group B, Sky Sports 3/HD3
These two were drawn together in qualification for the previous Euros. That time they both missed out in a group that included Germany and the Czech Republic. For this campaign it looks like it'll be either one of these to join Russia. The Republic came away with a 2-2 draw here last time, they'll have to push for all three points on this occasion.

19.30 Switzerland v Wales, Euro 2012 Qualifying Group G, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Both sides are played two, lost two; another defeat will effectively be the end of their campaign in this five team group. Despite their position, Switzerland are a good side, Wales on the other hand are a shambles - can only see it going one way.

20.00 England v Montenegro, Euro 2012 Qualifying Group G, ITV1/ITV HD
Meanwhile at the end of the group... both teams here go in with 100% records so far. Montenegro have put three 1-0 wins together, so expect them to park the bus and try and hit England on the break. Could be a long, edgy night for Fabio's boys until Crouch scuffs in a late winner.

20.00 Scotland v Spain, Euro 2012 Qualifying Group I, Sky Sports 1/HD1
You do realise that in the minute possibility that Scotland win this they'll declare themselves World Champions. "Aye. I know Argentina beat 'em first but like that were only a friendly"

20.00 France v Luxembourg, Euro 2012 Qualifying Group D, ESPN
You won't learn anything about this French side here as they romp to an unimpressive 3-0 home win.

Graham