The decisive Nations League matches to keep an eye on this weekend

If there were any still questioning the implementation of the UEFA Nations League and whether it would serve up anything other than glorified friendlies, the final countdown to the competition should have allayed any such fears. With a number of mouth-watering and decisive matches to look forward to, we run through the most important over the course of the weekend, including two crucial clashes on Friday night.

7) Albania vs Scotland (Saturday, 19:45)

While it would be almost impossible for Albania to get promoted to League B, needing a considerable goal swing to do so, Scotland need a result away from home in order to set up a big finale against Israel. Having lost the reverse fixture to the latter, Alex McLeish’s side must win next Tuesday regardless of the result on Saturday night, though they will have to make do without midfielder John McGinn for this crucial double header, with the Aston Villa man having earned the highest rating from the first two matches and man of the match awardd in the 2-0 win over Albania back in September.

6) Netherlands vs France (Friday, 19:45) - match preview

The outcome of tonight’s game in Rotterdam will determine whether there is a place still up for grabs in the final four from Group 1 of League A. If France win or draw the World champions will progress, but if Ronald Koeman’s men could snare a home victory they will have a chance to top the group with a result against Germany on Monday. Les Bleus could be without a number of key players, sweating on the fitness of Raphael Varane, who could join Benjamin Mendy and Paul Pogba on the sidelines. Memphis Depay is becoming a talisman for the the hosts, while the pairing of Van Dijk and De Ligt is the envy of most in world football.

5) Italy vs Portugal (Saturday, 19:45) - match preview

Much like the game in Holland, Saturday’s meeting between Italy and Portugal could see the latter secure top spot with a single point, but an Italy win would make the European champions group finale with Poland an interesting one. An Azzurri victory would be enough the relegate the latter to League B, and the Juventus pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will not have to face club mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been left out of the Selecao squad once more. At the other end, however, Roberto Mancini continues to struggle to find the best formula for his attacking players, and he’ll be keen to exploit the absence of the suspended Pepe.

4) Serbia vs Montenegro (Saturday, 14:00) - match preview

As far as international rivalries are concerned, this is pretty significant, and with just one point separating the neighbouring nations at the top of their group in League C, tensions will undoubtedly be running high in Serbia. The hosts know that a victory would ensure top spot and promotion but anything less puts the pressure on next week’s results, with Romania, currently third, boasting the superior head-to-head record against Mladen Krstajic’s side on away goals. Aleksandr Mitrovic has been the star man for the home side so far - with a joint Nations League high of four goals - but his lack of form at club level contrasted with Frankfurt youngster Luka Jovic’s hot streak could cause a selection dilemma.

3) Wales vs Denmark (Friday, 19:45) - match preview

It’s a winner takes all showdown in Cardiff, with Wales and Denmark both able to secure promotion to League A with all three points. The Danes came out on top in the first meeting between the sides courtesy of a Christian Eriksen brace but Ryan Giggs will be hoping to make home advantage count, with centre-back Chris Mepham the only absentee for either side. A win for the hosts would give Ireland a lifeline in terms of avoiding relegation and could see the Scandinavians facing that fate in the final game of the group on Monday, while a draw would mean Age Hareide’s men would top the group if they beat Martin O’Neill’s strugglers.

2) Switzerland vs Belgium (Sunday, 19:45) - match preview

Belgium need just a point to book their place in the final four next year but know that a defeat without scoring, or by more than a single goal, would see Switzerland claim top spot in Group 2 of League A. Roberto Martinez’s side won the reverse fixture courtesy of a late goal from Romelu Lukaku but the Manchester United star is a doubt for Sunday’s clash. Michy Batshuayi scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Iceland on Thursday in his absence, and he’ll be aiming to exploit the absence of former Dortmund teammate Manuel Akanji, whose injury is a big blow to Vladimir Petkovic’s side.

1) England vs Croatia (Sunday, 14:00) - match preview

It’s difficult to argue that England’s meeting with Croatia isn’t the biggest of the remaining Nations League fixtures, with four possible permutations that could play out dependent on the result at Wembley. A win for either side would see them top the group ahead of Spain and relegate their opponent. A score draw would see England relegated on away goals in the head-to-head between the sides, while a goalless draw would relegate the visitors on Sunday night on goal difference. The last meeting between the sides was lacking intensity due to the absence of supporters due to a ban but this will be a sell out and should be a hard-fought affair following the meeting between the two in the World Cup semi-finals. It’s the sort of scenario UEFA would have dreamed of when introducing the competition, and one that both sides are set to take extremely seriously.