Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group I Preview, Picks: Scotland At Czech Republic, Trying To Stay In Front Of Spain

Scotland is surprisingly in the lead despite misappropriated consternation after September 3's scoreless draw at Lithuania. That result looks strong after Lithuania started the Czech Republic's campaign by winning 0-1 in Olomouc. Meanwhile, Spain, the group favorites, cruised through their only match, downing Liechtenstein 4-0.

• Czech Republic versus Scotland, 2:15 p.m. Eastern, Friday - Despite a poor showing in World Cup qualifying, the Czechs entered this tournament the odds-on favorite for second place. After Lithuania beat them, many were reminded that the reputation garnered during the Pavel Nedved era has little application to the current team. With their best goal scorer, Milan Baros, out for this match, the Czechs could see a repeat of the Lithuania result. Scotland's Craig Levein would probably be content with one point, though to get it the Tartans will have to overcome the absences of Matthew Gilks, Scott Brown and Lee McCulloch.
• Spain versus Lithuania, 4:00 p.m Eastern, Friday - The news from Spain centers around Xavi Hernández, whose absence isn't going to matter. At least, ever playing in the Spain squad seems to be going out of their way to assure us Xavi's not that important. Regardless of whether he is, Hernández is joined on the sidelines by Cesc Fàbregas, Jesús Navas, Fernando Torres, Raúl Albiol and Pedro Rodríguez, giving opportunities to Bruno Soriano, Pablo Hernández as well as the uncapped Aritz Aduriz and Borja Valero. While that quartet makes up the bench, Lithuania will face the same names that have helped define the last three years of Spanish success. The entire defense is in tact, David Villa's set to score goals, while the midfield still has Andrés Iniesta, David Silva, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets. Even with all those injuries, Spain remains a scary side.