West Ham star to inspire vital Irish victory
Neutrals that glance at the Euro 2012 qualifying Group B table will think Republic of Ireland are in a reasonable position but the reality is that they have failed to impress in their first four games.
Seven points from a possible 12 is no disaster, however it represents a missed opportunity given Russia's surprise loss at home to Slovakia and the latter's defeat at the hands of Armenia, while being outclassed by Russia at the Aviva Stadium makes finishing in first place highly unlikely.
The play-offs will therefore once again be their ambition, though the presence of Slovakia and surprise package Armenia besides them in second place shows that it's not going to be easy, and renders it vital that they don't drop any points when hosting Macedonia on Saturday evening.
Injury problems at the back have left them without regular starters Shay Given, Sean St Ledger and John O'Shea, meaning that Keiren Westwood, Darren O'Dea and Kevin Foley will all start their first competitive internationals.
Giovanni Trapattoni is consequently relying on his more advanced players to lead by example to compensate for the lack of experience at the back, and that means requiring something he hasn't had at his disposal so far in this campaign - captain Robbie Keane at his best.
The Boys in Green's all-time leading goalscorer has endured a turbulent few years since his failed move to Liverpool and while his performances for his country weren't affected at first, they have gradually declined the longer he has spent on the bench at club level.
His loan switch to West Ham offers hope of a revival, and he found the net in his first appearance at Blackpool, before getting injured in his second. Keane saved his nation in similar home matches with Cyprus and Georgia in World Cup 2010 qualifying and is capable of again being the difference maker.
Republic of Ireland are [1.53] to triumph, while more appealing prices are the [2.1] on the win to nil, as Macedonia failed to score in defeats to Slovakia and Russia, and the [4.4] on the visitors holding out until half-time before eventually losing. 1-0 is [6.4], with 2-0 a touch bigger at [6.8].
Republic of Ireland v Macedonia
Kick-off: 7.45pm (Saturday)
Live on Sky Sports 2
Think the hosts will be disappointed? Macedonia are [8.4] to win...
Published: 25 Mar 2011
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