Preview RUS-IRL: Critical 90 Minutes In Moscow

September 5th, 2011 | by: nick | Comments(2)

The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will be the setting were a critical match will decide the match between Russia and the Republic of Ireland. This match will be a deciding factor in shaping Group B. A victory for Russia will put them at the top with 19 points and in pole position to win the group and qualify directly. A victory for Ireland will give them a chance to contend for the first two places and make Group B as tight as ever.

Russia
Russia go into this game with high confidence after a strong second half display against a stubborn Macedonia side in Moscow last Friday. Although, Russia had a lackluster match, Friday proved to be more or less a warm up for this up coming encounter. Interestingly this match its self is likely to serve as a test for the away fixture to Slovakia in October.

Formation: How should Advocaat Line Up Russia?
Advocaat has the absence of Igor Denisov to worry about, but he can easily be replaced by Denis Glushakov, Roman Shirokov, or Igor Semshov. However Sergei Ignashevich will likely return from suspension after receiving a second yellow card against Armenia in June. His return will serve as a boost a the Berezutski twins did not perform to well against Macedonia. Aside from Denisov, Advocaat will likely field a lineup similar to the 4-2-3-1 which triumphed on Friday.

I believe an effective formation should include Shirokov and Zyrianov paired to cover a defense consisting of Berezutski, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, and Anyukov. Up front Semshov would sit between Arshavin, Dzagoev, and behind Pavlyuchenko. Kerzhakov did not have his best game against Macedonia and I feel Pavlyuchenko should start. In terms of substitutes I would include Anton Shunin as the back up goalkeeper for Malafeev, with Aleksei Berezutski and Roman Shishkin covering the four man defense. The midfield would be covered by Glushakov and Torbinski. Glushakov provides the opportunity to cover the defensive, central, or attacking midfield should the need arise. He will likely be brought on to keep the attack fresh. Torbinski is able to cover the flanks in case Dzagoev or Arshavin have to move in closer to the center. Finally, Pavlyuchenko will be supported by Kerzhakov and Pogrebnyak both of whom have plenty of experience.

Ireland
Giovanni Trapattoni’s men still have the 2010 FIFA World Cup playoff against France fresh in their minds. Ireland will be looking to regain that fighting spirit in Moscow on Tuesday and therefore should not be underestimated. Like Russia, Ireland do have suspension and injury problems with John O’Shea, Kevin Kilbane, all ruled out Sean St Ledger. Robbie Keane and Shay Given are also struggling some minor knocks but are expected to play. However these issues will not stop Ireland from putting up a fight. Ireland have plenty of depth to cover the back four and versatile substitutes that can operate in any way. Additionally, Ireland has not conceded a goal since losing to Uruguay 3-2 in March and did have numerous dangerous attacks against Slovakia on Friday.

Castrol Prediction

Video
Here are highlights of the first game in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium on 8 October 2010.