In a congested top three, Holland trail opponents Bulgaria by a point, albeit with a game in hand, and a defeat would make make life more than a little difficult for coach Marco van Basten.

On the other hand, three points could see them pull level with Romania should the leaders slip up in Belarus.

Van Basten will be without playmaker Rafael van der Vaart (calf) and Denny Landzaat (fractured eye socket) but can recall Andre Ooijer (broken leg) for the first time since November.

The Oranje have managed just eight goals in six games so far, but Van Basten has decided he can do without striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar for the tie.

The Ajax man was one of six players released from the squad on Friday.

Dimitar Berbatov's recovery from a groin injury is a big boost for Bulgaria, who have 1994 World Cup coach Dimitar Penev back at the helm.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Berbatov returns after missing the friendly defeat to Wales on August 22, but fellow attacker Valery Bojinov is facing four months out with a knee problem.

Group leaders Romania have been hit by a trio of injuries with Cosmin Contra, Alin Stoica and Laurentiu Rosu all ruled out.

Coach Victor Piturca has called on Eugen Trica, who has been out of the international picture for seven years, while 30-year-old Sergiu Radu receives his first call-up.

The Belarus squad has a slightly unfamiliar look to it, with Vitali Kutuzov, Aleksandr Kulchiy and Vitali Bulyga all left out by new coach Bernd Stange as punishment for failing to turn up for their friendly with Israel.

Yegor Filipenko, a 19-year-old defender, has received his first call-up.

In the group's other tie, the bottom two sides, Luxembourg and Slovenia, face off at the Stade Josy Barthel.

The hosts are still looking for their first point of the campaign.