Republic of Ireland can win vital Euro 2012 Group B clash
With Russia two points clear at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group B and a home match with Andorra to end their campaign I think it's safe to say that the Republic of Ireland's home match against Armenia is a battle for second place in the group and a place in the play-offs.
A point is all the the Republic of Ireland require, but Shay Given has already stressed that the Irish will go all out for victory at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as playing for a draw is not really a tactic they would feel comfortable with.
Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane will miss the match after suffering problems with an abductor muscle and could be out of action for up to four weeks. Keane's place will be taken by West Brom frontman Simon Cox, who gets the nod ahead of his clubmate Shane Long and Stoke's Jonathan Walters.
Stephen Kelly replaces the suspended Stephen Ward at left-back while David Dunne returns to the back four after serving a one match ban with Darren O'Dea making way. So the team will line-up as follows:- Given (Captain), O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Kelly, Duff, Whelan, Andrews, McGeady, Doyle and Cox.
Republic of Ireland managed to beat Armenia on their soil in the opening set of fixtures for this group way back in September 2010 and although Armenia look to have improved a touch since then home advantage should be more than enough to see the Irish land all three points on Tuesday night. Odds of 1.75 with Pinnacle represents fair value and should be taken.