Republic of Ireland to respond in Slovakia
This time last week, it looked like Slovakia and Republic of Ireland would be clashing as clear leaders in Group B, battling to gain an advantage at the top of the table, but after both flopped on Friday, they head into this match knowing that defeat could prove fatal to their hopes of winning the group.
While Giovanni Trapattoni's side will be disappointed with only their second competitive home loss under the Italian, a 3-2 reverse against Russia which thrust the visitors back into contention, Slovakia have even more reason to kick themselves after a shocking 3-1 defeat away to unfancied Armenia.
Both remain joint-top on six points alongside Russia, yet with Dick Advocaat's men odds on to win in Macedonia, victory in Zilina is required to stay in touch, while a draw will see both fall two points behind the Euro 2008 semi-finalists.
Slovakia are understandably favourites at [2.56] given home advantage, however Republic of Ireland took a point on their last visit three years ago under the much-maligned Steve Staunton, when an injury-time equaliser by West Brom's Marek Cech denied them all three.
Admittedly, the two goalscorers that day won't be involved tonight, with Stephen Ireland retired from international football and Kevin Doyle injured, but Republic of Ireland have never been beaten in an away qualifier under Trapattoni, so while unlikely to triumph at [3.2], the draw appeals at [3.25].
Both teams to score is an attractive bet too at [2.04], as Slovakia have scored in nine of their last ten games and just two of Republic of Ireland's last 29 fixtures have finished goalless, both against England's opponents this evening, under 2.5 goal fans Montenegro.
The other intriguing price on offer is [4.9] on Doyle's replacement Shane Long finding the net. The Reading forward grabbed his first goal from open play this season against Russia on Friday and his three previous strikes for his country all came abroad.
Slovakia v Republic of Ireland
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Live on Sky Sports 3
Will the Boys in Green bounce back? Can they afford to lose? Let us know below...
Published: 12 Oct 2010
Leave a comment