Let’s get ready to rumble…

Ignoring England’s ridiculous, money-spinning, injury-ravaged jaunt to Brazil; and the baffling decision to put the first friendly anyone might have given a toss about for ages firmly out of physical reach of the average fan, there are some actually important games going on this weekend.

The World Cup 2010 UEFA playoffs start tomorrow, complete with added seeding-system nonsense, as eight European teams fight it out for four of the remaining nine places. Who will take a first leg advantage?

Ireland vs France

Shots have been fired by players and diplomats alike, prior to this weekend’s marquee clash. Raymond Domenech’s job rests on the outcome, which in turn rests the surety of his centre-back pairing - currently Gallas plus ‘whoever wants a go’. This one may be closer than the French team care to admit.

Has the little guy earned a place in the starting XI?

With nothing of particular interest arising from England’s friendly victory over Slovenia at the weekend, the papers are awash with the debate surrounding the England frontline.

In-form Jermain Defoe has bagged eight goals in ten appearances under Fabio Capello, which is twice as good as Wayne Rooney’s rate of return in the same period, and better than the tally that Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey has managed in the past ten years.

Under Capello’s maxim of ‘form wins places’, the Tottenham star is a shoe-in for a starting role. However, the obvious counter argument is that Wayne Rooney needs a strike partner with Heskey’s strength, height and ability to hold up the ball in order to operate at his best. And considering how Croatia tried to kick seven shades out of their opponents the last time they visited Wembley, such a physical presence from the outset could prove crucial.

So, should the serial WAG boffer retain his highly successful ’supersub’ status, or should he get to wear number 9 at Wembley on Wednesday? Votes and comments below, please…