Euro 2012 Betting: Republic of Ireland v Russia

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-Off/TV: 19:45, live on Sky Sports 2

Republic of Ireland can cap a great start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign by making it nine points from nine when Russia - without injured striker Roman Pavlyuchenko - visit the Aviva Stadium on Friday.

Both sides beat Andorra by a two goal margin but it's the Republic who top Group B courtesy of beating Armenia whilst Russia lost a home to Slovakia. Giovanni Trapattoni is without injured midfielders Damien Duff and Keith Andrews for the game but other than that it will be a strong line-up, spearheaded in attack by the excellent Robbie Keane.

Match Odds: Rep of Ireland 2.6813/8, Russia 3.185/40, The Draw 3.39/4

The Republic have an excellent record in Dublin, losing just one of their last 14 competitive matches, and it's that home advantage that can decide the outcome here. Dick Advocaat's Russia, despite winning just one of their two opening fixtures, will be no pushovers however, being able to boast Premier League stars Yuri Zhirkov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and the nimble-footed Andrei Arshavin.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

With a large crowd expected, the Aviva Stadium's unique atmosphere can help make this game a cracking encounter with plenty of goalmouth action. Over 2.5 Goals is available to back at the massive price of 2.546/4 and that looks too good to miss given the amount of attacking talent on show. Three of Ireland's last four home games have contained at least three goals whilst Russia have only failed to score in one of their last six games. All in all, the 1.635/8 about Under 2.5 Goals prevailing looks way too short.

To Score

If I've got this one correct, and the game is to have plenty of goals, then Keane and Arshavin are sure to be the key men for each side in the creating and scoring department. The Irishman will be available to back at around 3.211/5 once the market materialises, whilst the Russian will be around the 4.216/5 mark. You can literally toss a coin as to which one you back (or even back both) as I'm sure they'll each have a few chances in the penalty area.

Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.546/4