By the time the Republic of Ireland kick off their latest Euro 2012 qualification game in Macedonia on Saturday evening, they will know exactly what is required as the race to reach the Ukraine and Poland next year is turning into a four-way fight.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s men arrive in Skopje full of confidence after they lifted the Carling Nations Trophy last Sunday courtesy of a 1-0 win against Scotland, having seen off Wales and Northern Ireland in the previous games without conceding a goal in the process.
But the pressure on their shoulders could be intensified by the time kick-off arrives as Slovakia and Russia, who are level on 10 points with the Irish, will have already finished their respective matches against Andorra and Armenia.
Slovakia’s game is a 1/80 home banker with Totesport as Andorra are pointless from their opening five games, while Ireland will possibly look for Armenia, who are fourth in Group B and just two points off the leading trio, to do them a favour and hold the Russians to a point (11/2 Draw).
In that scenario a win against Macedonia, who have drawn and lost their opening two qualifiers on home soil, could take Ireland two points clear in second spot behind the Slovaks on 13 points.
Trapattoni will be delighted with his defence’s recent solidity and will expect them to keep the Macedonian’s at bay after their exploits against the Scots, Welsh and Ulstermen, despite the absence of the suspended Richard Dunne.
It is the Italian’s attack that could give him some concern as 30-year-old star striker Robbie Keane is battling to shake off a groin injury he suffered in training in order to play.
And with Macedonia’s own defensive record not looking to shabby with only six goals conceded from five matches, the game could require a moment of magic from somebody of Keane’s calibre to ensure they take the maximum points haul they desperately need.
West Brom?s Simon Cox (13/2 First/Last Goalscorer) appears to be the man who will step into the attack should Keane fail to make it and, having recently got his first goal for his country, he will prove to be a very able deputy.
Therefore, we anticipate a tight game (2/1 1 or Less Total Goals) between two teams that are strong in defence, but with Ireland’s superior strike-force, they should have just enough to come out on top.
Prediction: Ireland To Win 90 Minutes @ 23/20
Value Bet: Simon Cox 1st goal Ireland To Win 1-0 Scorecast @ 25/1
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