Ireland v Armenia: Irish on brink of play-offs

Ireland v Armenia, Tuesday 18:45, Sky Sports 1, Match Odds: Ireland 1.768/11, Armenia 5.49/2, The Draw 4.03/1

A routine 2-0 win in Andorra on Friday night was followed by the disappointing news that Russia had snuck a 1-0 win in Slovakia. A result that all but ended Ireland's hopes of topping Euro 2012 Qualifying Group B.

For the record, Ireland can still mathematically win the group by beating Armenia and hoping Andorra beat Russia, in Russia. Stranger things have happened, but I can't think of any.

So attentions are now focussed on getting the point that is needed from their final game against Armenia in order to secure a play-off spot.

The casual observer may see that as a foregone conclusion. But Armenia are one of, if not the, improving nations in European football. Before Euro 2012 they had never won more than two matches in a qualifying campaign, never scored more than nine goals and always conceded well into double figures. This time around they've won five and drawn two of their nine games played, scored 21 goals - eight more than Ireland who are the second highest scorers in the group - and conceded just eight.

They even went to Slovakia and beat them 4-0 in their own backyard last month. A point against Armenia is not the guarantee that it once was. Ireland will need to be on top of their game.

However, if there are two attributes above all others that Giovanni Trapattoni has instilled in this Ireland team they are professionalism and discipline.

Ireland have now gone eight consecutive matches without conceding a goal. Something that will obviously stand them in good stead going into a game where not conceding would be good enough to achieve their primary objective. Back another Ireland clean sheet at odds of 2.35/4.

There is also mileage in backing the draw at odds of 4.03/1, specifically if you intend to trade In-Play on the match. There'll be no desire from Ireland to come racing out of the blocks and leave themselves exposed at the back, meaning we should be in for a cagey opening exchange and a steady shortening of the odds.

Recommended Bets:
Back Ireland Clean Sheet @ 2.35/4
Back the draw @ 4.03/1, with a view to trade In-Play

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