REPUBLIC OF IRELAND VS. RUSSIA- EURO 2012 QUALIFIER- NEWS, ODDS AND TIPS

The Republic of Ireland host European giants Russia this Friday, in what is expected to be a closely fought contest as these two teams fight it out for a place in the Euro 2012 tournament.
The Republic of Ireland team are in somewhat of a state of disarray following the withdrawal of a number of high profile first teamers.
There were noticeable gaps in the Aviva Stadium for the Republic of Ireland's first competitive game for their second Euro 2012 qualifier- something that Russia will be looking to take full advantage of.
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has also already been dealt a series of fresh injury blows ahead of the match.
Midfielders Damien Duff and Keith Andrews are out with calf and groin injuries respectively; with the Italian admitting Duff is "90 per cent" certain to miss the next two qualifiers.
Trapattoni has also surprised football pundits across Europe with his unwillingness to call up any midfield reinforcements on the back of losing midfielder Keith Treacy.
Republic of Ireland have however drafted in Stoke defender Marc Wilson as cover for Stephen Kelly, who is certain to carry forward his impressive form to the international scene
For Russia, striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was today withdrawn from the squad, with  manager Dick Advocaat announcing that the Spurs centre-forward will be prevented from playing on Friday, and against Macedonia next week, because of an ankle injury.
The Republic of Ireland, currently top of the group with two straight wins are favourites to triumph this Friday, with William Hill putting them at 2.50 to Russia's 2.80
Bet 365 have some rather enticing odds set for scoreline predictions, with a 1-0 win in favour of the Irish at 6.5, and a 2-0 set at 11.0
If the Ruskies are to prevail a 1-0 is at 7.0, with a 2-1 at 11.0
Even though these teams have lost significant names in their attacking line, one would imagine that this will still be an attacking game-especially with Russia seeking to take control of the group
An ‘Over/Under 2.5’ goals bet is a decent one, with the bookies calling this one 'Under' at 1.53. However, a highly possible 'over' scenario is extremely attractive at 2.40
Another safe bet is that of Spurs striker Robbie Keane to open for the Republic at 2.25, with Kevin Doyle next up at 2.87
With the loss of Pavlyuchenko, Aleksandr Kerzhakov is favoured to open for the Russians at 7.50, with him netting at anytime locked in at 7.5
In-form Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arhshavin also looks good, with him set at a rather long 3.75 to score at anytime during regular play.
While this game is leaning slightly towards the Irish contingent, one would think that it is going to be a tight contest.
A ‘Margin of Victory’ bet is also proving rather lucrative, with a Republic win by one goal marked at 4.0, and with the same margin towards the Ruskies paying out at 4.2- this game will end in a one goal margin either way
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals at 2.4