Republic Of Ireland Can Take A Draw From Russia

This is a crucial match for both teams in Group B with group leaders Russia taking on second place Republic Of Ireland in a match that could decide which team tops the group. Slovakia are still in the hunt after their draw against Republic Of Ireland on Friday and anything but a win against Russia could see Slovakia overtake Republic Of Ireland in the group this week.

 

Republic Of Ireland will know plenty about Russia's key attackers, Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin will captain Russia whilst Tottenham's Roman Pavlyuchenko, who is Russia's top scorer in qualifying, will lead the attack. As for Ireland, John O'Shea is out injured whilst Sean St. Ledger is suspended and the pair will be replaced by Darren O'Dea and Stephen Kelly. Robbie Keane will play despite picking up a knee injury against Slovakia and he will continue to be partnered in attack by Kevin Doyle following the injury to shane Long. Shay Given is another who could play through the pain injury, he has picked up a back injury but is likely to play anyway.

 

Russia got the better of Ireland in Dublin last October but that was a close game and Republic Of Ireland look just as good away from home as they do in Dublin, which they will need to be if they are to get anything from this match. It is a tough ask to expect Republic Of Ireland to pick up all three points but a draw would be a decent result and that should be a value bet.