Russia have the chance to put further daylight between themselves and the chasing pack at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group B when they host an injury-hit Ireland on Tuesday.
The Russians took the outright lead on Friday, beating Macedonia 1-0 while Slovakia and Ireland played out a scoreless draw. Russia have 16 points, while Slovakia and Ireland both have 14, with three games remaining.
Victory against the Irish would make Russia the favorites for automatic qualification for next year’s tournament in Ukraine and Poland, and damage Ireland’s playoff chances significantly, especially if Slovakia beat Armenia in Zilina later on Tuesday.
“I think it was tougher to play against Macedonia than it will be against Ireland as the Macedonians had nothing to lose and were completely relaxed on the pitch,” Russia coach Dick Advocaat said.
"I don't expect any surprises from Ireland. They have their own style and I think they will stick to it."
Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni, meanwhile, said his side is ready “to do all it takes to get a good result.”
“We understand that it won’t be easy to do this,” said Trapattoni, who is out to avenge a 3-2 home defeat to Russia last October.
For the match at Luzhniki Stadium, Russia are without the suspended Igor Denisov and injured first-choice goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, while Yuri Zhirkov should recover from a knock.
Otherwise, Russia are at full strength. Igor Semshov, who scored on Friday, fights for a midfield place with Lokomotiv Moscow’s Denis Glushakov, and Advocaat will also have to decide whether to deploy striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who impressed after coming on as a second-half substitute on Friday, from the start.
Ireland, meanwhile, have left John O’Shea and Shane Long at home nursing calf injuries. Sean St. Ledger is suspended, allowing Leeds United defender Darren O’Dea to partner Richard Dunne at the back.
Goalkeeper Shay Given has recovered from a back problem, however, and was named in Trapattoni’s provisional starting eleven along with Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady.
McGeady has been sidelined for weeks with an ankle injury sustained in June, is short of match fitness, having returned to competitive football as an Ireland substitute against Slovakia on Friday.
