Explainers

CRISTIANO RONALDO and Portugal begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Azerbaijan.The Portuguese will be keen to get off to a winning start with Ireland, Serbia and Luxembourg the other teams in their group.
NINTCHDBPICT000617413234-1Credit: EPA
And Cristiano Ronaldo will be keen to edge closer to Ali Daei’s all-time international record of 109 goals, which he now sits just seven behind.
What time does Portugal vs Azerbaijan kick off?

Portugal vs Azerbaijan takes place on Wednesday, March 24.
The match kicks off at 7.45pm in the UK and Portugal, 8.45pm in Italy and 11.45pm in Azerbaijan.
It will be played at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.
The game was moved from Portugal due to concerns that Premier League players would be forced to quarantine in a hotel on return to the UK.
Last time the sides met, Portugal were 2-0 winners in a World Cup qualifier in Baku back in 2013.

What TV channel is Portugal vs Azerbaijan on and can I live stream it?

Portugal vs Azerbaijan is live on the Sky Sports Red Button.
To stream the game live head to Sky Go.
Non-Sky Sports subscribers can watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass.

Team news
Rui Patricio has been ruled out of this round of internationals after picking up a horrific head injury for Wolves against Liverpool.
Anthony Lopes of Lyon is likely to deputise between the sticks.
Pepe, William Carvalho, Francisco Trincao and Nelson Semedo are all out for Portugal.
Azerbaijan captain Maksim Medvedev will arrive late to his team’s camp for personal reasons but is expected to start in Turin.
Latest odds
Portugal 1/33
Draw 12/1
Azerbaijan 55/1 More

WORLD champions France begin their World Cup defence with a match at home to Ukraine.The French have been in excellent form recently, winning their Nations League group as they look to add to their collection of silverware.
France begin their World Cup defence against UkraineCredit: Reuters
Andriy Shevchenko will hope his Ukraine side can spring a surpriseCredit: EPA
But visitors Ukraine have proven themselves capable of springing a surprise or two with wins over Spain and Portugal in the past two years.
What time does France vs Ukraine kick off?

France take on Ukraine on Wednesday, March 24.
The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time – 8.45pm in France and 9.45pm in Ukraine.
It will be played at the Stade de France.
The two sides last met just five months ago with France running riot in a 7-1 friendly win.

What TV channel is France vs Ukraine on and can I live stream it?

France vs Ukraine is live on Sky Sports Premier League.
Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
To stream the game live, head to the Sky Go app.
Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action live with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

Team news
Didier Deschamps has gone with a tried and tested formula with his entire squad having been capped by France before.
Olivier Giroud and Anthony Martial are favourites for spots up front after Kylian Mbappe was substituted for PSG against Lyon with a minor injury.
Victor Tsygankov scored for Ukraine in their 7-1 defeat against the French in October but misses this one through injury.
Taras Stepanenko also misses out with a muscle problem but Andriy Yarmolenko has overcome injury to make the cut.
Latest odds
France 1/4
Draw 4/1
Ukraine 11/1
*Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Monday, March 22. More

WALES face a daunting start to their World Cup qualifying campaign against Belgium.But the Red Devils are opponents the Welsh will have fond memories of, as they are unbeaten against them in their last four meetings.
Belgium are looking to finally beat bogey side WalesCredit: AFP
Gareth Bale is hoping to help Wales to a first World Cup since 1958Credit: Reuters
Interim manager Robert Page will take charge of this game with Wales still none the wiser as to who will be manager during Euro 2020.
While boss Ryan Giggs is in contact with Page, he is still on ‘special leave’ with his assault case under investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service.
What time does Belgium vs Wales kick off?

Belgium take on Wales on Wednesday, March 24.
The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time.
It takes place at the Den Dreef stadium in Leuven.
Last time these sides met, Sam Vokes, Ashley Williams and Hal Robson-Kanu netted in a sensational Euro 2020 quarter-final win for the Welsh.

What TV channel is Belgium vs Wales on and can I live stream it?

Belgium vs Wales is live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Coverage commences at 7pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go account.
Non-Sky Sports subscribers can get a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
Welsh-speakers can watch all the action live on S4C.

Can I watch Belgium vs Wales for free?

Yes, but you’ll have to watch in Welsh.
S4C is free for all UK viewers.

Team news
Romelu Lukaku will be available for Belgium despite a coronavirus outbreak with his club Inter Milan.
Eden Hazard is once again injured while Axel Witsel is out for the long term.
Wales will be without Aaron Ramsey after he picked up an injury with Juventus last week.
Ben Davies and Tom Lockyer have also been ruled out.
But Joe Allen has returned to the Welsh squad for the first time since 2019.
Latest odds
Belgium 2/7
Draw 15/4
Wales 9/1
*Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Wednesday, March 24 More

TOTTENHAM take on Aston Villa as they look to bounce back from their shock Europa League exit in midweek. Spurs are still hoping to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but must finish in the top four, a feat which looks like it’s shaping up to be a difficult task.
Jose Mourinho is hoping to bounce back from Spurs’ Europa League lossCredit: AP
What time does Aston Villa vs Tottenham kick-off?

Kick-off tonight is at 7.15pm GMT.
The game will be played at Villa Park.
There will be no fans in the stadium because of the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

What TV channel is it on and can I live stream?

Spurs’ game with Villa will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
You can live stream the game from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

What is the team news?
Jack Grealish is a doubt for Villa as he has been injured for over a month with a shin problem.
Wesley is training again after his knee problem but the game with Spurs still may come too soon.
Tottenham will be without Korean star Heung-min Son, who has a hamstring injury.
Harry Kane could be benched after playing 120 minutes in midweek against Dinamo Zagreb.
Odds

Villa – 2/1
Draw – 12/5
Tottenham 27/20

*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More