George Tsitsonis

What: UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifiers – Group B
Who: Ireland (1st; 6 points) vs Russia (3rd; 3 points)
When: Friday 8th October, 2010, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland


A Huge Opportunity

When Ireland play host to Russia at the Aviva Stadium, Giovanni Trapattoni’s side have a great chance to really seize control of Group B in Euro 2012 qualifying. After disposing of Armenia and Andorra in their first two matches, the Irish will now step up a level in competition in their next two fixtures against Russia and away to Slovakia on Tuesday. With Russia losing to Slovakia in their last qualifier, there is a real opportunity to deliver a telling blow to Dick Advocaat’s team and hand Ireland a crucial advantage this early into their campaign.

Though Trapattoni has problems including Damien Duff’s injury which will see him miss out on the Russia and Slovakia matches, there is a belief within the team that they can make it out of this group and qualify for Euro 2012. Trapattoni has put together a compact unit that only narrowly missed out on earning a berth to the 2010 World Cup. The Italian manager has called up talented Everton youngster Seamus Coleman and the 21-year-old left-back will be in line for his first ever cap against Russia.

Now Or Never

For Russia, there is no room for error after September’s 1-0 home defeat to Slovakia. Dick Advocaat’s reign has had a rough start and so much hangs on the outcome against the Irish. A victory brings everything back into line, however another defeat could have disastrous consequences. Some are suggesting that the national side is now in a slump of sorts since missing out on the 2010 World Cup. That supposed slump could turn into a crisis if Russia continue their slow start in this campaign.

There are plenty of matches to play in this group, but realistically the Russians would need at least a point in Dublin, otherwise they will have their backs to the wall for the rest of qualifying. Advocaat insists that he has picked the most formidable side possible for the upcoming matches and that the team will be ready to get their campaign back on track.

 
Recent form
Ireland:
Ireland 0-1 Argentina (11/08; Friendly)
Armenia 0-1 Ireland (03/09; Euro 2012 qualifiers)
Ireland 3-1 Andorra (07/09; Euro 2012 qualifiers)

Russia:
Russia 1-0 Bulgaria (11/08; Friendly)
Andorra 0-2 Russia (03/09; Euro 2012 qualifiers)
Russia 0-1 Slovakia (07/09; Euro 2012 qualifiers)

Key absences

Ireland: Damien Duff; Keith Andrews; Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea

Russia: Roman Pavyluchenko

Players to watch

Ireland – Robbie Keane: Though he has had little first-team action for Tottenham this season, Robbie Keane remains Ireland’s biggest threat. Ireland’s all-time leading scorer with 44 goals, Keane recently won his 100th cap and if the 30-year-old striker is in form then he is perhaps one of the best in the world in front of goal.

Russia – Andrei Arshavin: The Arsenal playmaker has the ability to turn any match on its head with a moment of brilliance. Able to play in the midfield, on the flanks, or up front, the versatile Arshavin is equally adept at providing and scoring goals. The 29-year-old is one of the veteran members of the Russian side nowadays and his performances during this campaign could determine whether or not Russia make it to Euro 2012.

Match prediction

This has all the makings of a tight and tense affair. Surely, Ireland will be spurred on by fantastic home support and be urged to go for the win. Russia meanwhile could come out cautious in order to not give anything away early. The visitors will face a test of nerves because a defeat could send their campaign into disarray with Ireland and Slovakia establishing a sizable lead at the top of the group.

In truth, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if either team won as there is little to separate these sides. That said, the most likely result is a draw, which would suit Ireland more at this stage, but also allow the Russians to maintain hope of staying in contention. Ireland 1-1 Russia.