Ireland have won 6/8 matches (including friendlies) in 2011, but they are in a very tight qualifying group. Russia and Friday's opponents Slovakia also have 13 points from six games and Giovanni Trapattoni believes "it's necessary that we win" in Dublin before travelling to Moscow next week.
Shay Given and Aiden McGeady are fit, so Trapattoni should be able to send out his first XI in pursuit of victory. Robbie Keane, who has scored five of Ireland's 11 goals so far, is making the long trip from Los Angeles to lead the line.
Slovakia's recent form is poor. Since being held at home to a 1-1 draw by Ireland, they have lost 3/4 friendlies and beaten Andorra home and away by an aggregate score of just 2-0.
Coach Vladimir Weiss is likely to be without star player Marek Hamsik for this match. The sparky Napoli midfielder picked up a knock in a club friendly last weekend and remains in the squad only because it is hoped he might be ready to play against Armenia next week.
Both teams have scored in each of Ireland's three home games so far - all of which have gone Over 2.5 Goals - but the same's happened in only one of Slovakia's three away matches. Match Odds is the more interesting market and Ireland are its best bet.
Best Bet: Back Ireland @ 2.021/1 to win
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