West Ham United are not in action until the trip to Hull City on 19 October so the focus for a number of players will switch to representing their countries. Qualification for World Cup in South Africa in 2010 will be the main priority for most with games on Saturday and Wednesday but there is also the fascinating prospect of two West Ham United youngsters going head to head.
DR Congo
Coach Patrice Neveu will rely on the experience of Herita Ilunga in the DR Congo squad for their final and decisive African zone second round qualifier. The Leopards are in action on Saturday knowing they must avoid defeat away in Malawi to stand any chance of progressing to the last phase as one of eight best runners-up from the 12 groups.
England
Fabio Capello has called upon club-mates Robert Green and Matthew Upson in his England squad. The Three Lions face Kazakhstan at Wembley first followed by a trip to Belarus. England are top of Group 6 with two wins from two, with Upson coming on as a late substitute in the 4-1 win in Croatia last time out. He and Joleon Lescott are battling to replace the injured John Terry.
Wales
James Collins and Craig Bellamy could both start for Wales, having missed the two previous World Cup qualifiers. Liechtenstein visit the Millennium Stadium before Wales travel to face Germany. Bellamy has made three substitute appearances for the club this season while Collins played 70 minutes for the reserves in the 4-3 win over West Bromwich Albion. Wales are third in Group 4 with three points.
Switzerland
Valon Behrami has been called up by Ottmar Hitzfeld as Switzerland hope to get their qualification campaign back after the surprise 2-1 defeat at home by Luxembourg. Behrami sat out training with a slight knock earlier in the week, but is fine and is looking to help his country move up the table after that defeat left them fifth in Group 2. The Swiss first play host to Latvia before making the trip to take on Greece.
Australia
Lucas Neill has been selected by Australia coach Pim Verbeek for the upcoming Asian zone qualifier against Qatar. The Socceroos, who sit third in Group 1 with three points from one game, welcome their opponents to Brisbane on Wednesday.