Russia recorded a narrow win over FYR Macedonia to reclaim first place in Group B, where Republic of Ireland could only muster a goalless draw with Slovakia at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Russia started the Euro 2012 qualifiers slowly, with the home defeat to Slovakia in their second game seen as a major blow.

However, Dick Advocaat’s side improved to record away wins over Ireland and FYR Macedonia, before picking up four points from two games against Armenia.

Russia made a giant step towards the final tournament by beating FYR Macedonia on Friday, with the win over Ireland likely to see them clinch the first place in the group.

Russia are 1.80 (4/5) with William Hill to win this game, whereas they are just 1.57 (4/7) with Bet365 to finish as Group B winners.

Important midfielder Igor Denisov is suspended after picking up a yellow card on Friday, with Dmitri Torbinski expected to replace him in the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Malafeev – Anyukov, V. Berezoutski, A. Berezoutski, Zhirkov – Semshov, Shirkov, Zyryanov – Torbinski – Arshavin, Kerzhakov.

Republic of Ireland missed a great chance to improve their position in the standings as they failed to beat Slovakia at home, although a goalless draw was probably a fair result.

Ireland are now tied on points with third-placed Slovakia and two points behind Russia, meaning that they cannot afford to lose this game.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s men travel to Andorra before hosting Armenia in their final qualifier, meaning that a good result from Russia could see them beat Slovakia to the second place in the group, and you should know that Ireland are 2.75 (7/4) with Paddy Power to make it to Euro 2012.

The gaffer faces a real selection headache before the most important qualifier, since John O’Shea is out of contention through injury, while Sean St Ledger is suspended.

Shay Given, Robbie Keane and David Dunne are all carrying knocks, although the trio is expected to start. Darren O’Dea and Kevin Foley are expected to start for St Ledger and O’Shea.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Given – Foley, Dunne, O’Dea, Ward – Duff, Whelan, Andrews, McGeady – Doyle, Keane.

Russia vs Republic of Ireland Live Stream is available here.