European Cup Qualifier
06.09.2011 at 16:00 - Luzhniki Stadium
Republic of Ireland face Russia on Tuesday knowing defeat is not an option if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching Euro 2012.
Giovanni Trapattoni's troops head into the game two points behind Group B leaders Russia and victory for the hosts would all but secure the automatic qualification spot for Ukraine and Poland.
Group B is delicately poised with the Republic level on points with Slovakia following Friday's draw between the two countries and should they fail to match Slovakia's result against Armenia they could find themselves out of the top two spots in the group.
The Republic will be hoping to make history in Russia having have never won in Moscow and they lost 3-2 to Dick Advocaat's side in Dublin in October.
Darren O'Dea and Stephen Kelly have been drafted into Trapattoni's starting XI to replace the injured John O'Shea and the suspended Sean St Ledger.
Fulham full-back Kelly will replace O'Shea at right-back, while Leeds loanee O'Dea will come in for St Ledger and partner Richard Dunne in central defence
Republic skipper Robbie Keane is prepared to play through the pain barrier after picking up a knee injury against Slovakia.
In the absence of the injured Shane Long, Kevin Doyle will partner Keane in attack, while Stephen Ward will continue at left-back.
Shay Given is set to shake off a back problem to take his place between the sticks with Trapattoni expected to keep faith with the players who drew with Slovakia.
Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin is set to captain Russia, while Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is expected to lead the attack.
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