Group B - Big week for Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland lead the way in Group B, although that's no great surprise given that they opened with matches against Armenia and Andorra. If they remain in pole position on Wednesday morning however, having faced chief rivals Russia and Slovakia, then they really will have cause to be excited.
The landscape has altered in two ways since our preview last month. Firstly, Armenia have been far better than expected, holding Ireland for 76 minutes then drawing away to Macedonia, while new Russia boss Dick Advocaat made a poor start, as they suffered a disastrous home loss to Slovakia.
The first point is significant because Slovakia, who needed an injury-time winner to beat Macedonia at home before performing heroics in Russia, travel to Armenia on Friday night, where Ireland and Russia will be hoping for a favour. Slovakia are a [1.73] lay to lose their 100 per cent record.
Meanwhile, Russia's slip throws the group wide open. They trail Ireland and Slovakia by three points, so will be chasing a win in Dublin on Friday. Their need to attack could play into Giovanni Trapattoni's hands but if not, Ireland may then need to target three points from Tuesday's trip to Slovakia.
Trapattoni will probably be happy with a return of four points from the two tough tests ahead, yet such a haul is far from guaranteed. The 90-minute triumph over France in that infamous World Cup play-off aside, Cyprus, Georgia, Armenia and Andorra are the only sides they have defeated in competitive games under Trap.
With everyone who started the first two qualifiers available though, the Boys in Green will fancy their chances and are narrow favourites at [2.74]. Whatever the outcome, a tight affair is expected, with under 2.5 goals offered at just [1.6].
Which way do you see Friday night's big matches going? Have your say below...
Published: 4 Oct 2010
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