Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland currently sit in a three way tie with Russia at the top of Group B. The fact that the winner will strike a blow against a qualification rival raises the stakes for this clash in Zilina.
Both teams opened group play with back to back wins, but both are coming off defeats for this game. Slovakia opened Group C play with a 1-0 win over Macedonia, and an impressive win by the same score line at Russia. They received a setback when they were defeated 3-1 at Armenia last Friday. The defeat to underdogs Armenia will rankle and they will be looking to bounce back immediately with a home game here.
More bad news from the Armenia game came with the fact that central defender Martin Skrtel received a yellow card that will see him suspended for this fixture. Miroslav Stoch, who scored the winning goal against Russia will also be out with injury. “Bad news, but we have to accept it,” coach Vladimir Weiss told the UEFA website.
More bad news from the Armenia game came with the fact that central defender Martin Skrtel received a yellow card that will see him suspended for this fixture. Miroslav Stoch, who scored the winning goal against Russia will also be out with injury. “Bad news, but we have to accept it,” coach Vladimir Weiss told the UEFA website.
The Republic began their qualification campaign with back to back victories over Armenia and Andorra, before falling at home to Russia last Friday. They will need a result here to avoid falling into the chasing pack. Despite falling behind 3-0 to Russia, Ireland fought back gamely with goals from Robbie Keane and Shane Long before losing 3-2. Keane and Long are players that will again be looking to provide a spark in this fixture.
Long was called into action against Russia due to a knee injury to Kevin Doyle, an injury that will see Doyle miss this game also. In better news for Giovanni Trapattoni, Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne could return from a knee injury and take his place in the Irish defense.
KEY PLAYERS
Vladimir Weiss (Slovakia) – Vladimir Weiss, son the Slovakian coach will be a thorn in the side of the Irish on Tuesday. The speedy winger is a bag of tricks and is in fine form for Scottish power Glasgow Rangers. With an injury to striker Stoch, more pressure could be on the Slovakian midfield to contribute to the attack, something Weiss is more than capable of.
Shay Given (Republic of Ireland) – Many of the Republic’s successes over recent years have had good saves from Shay Given at the heart of them. They will inevitably face pressure at some point in this game and if Given can repel the danger the Irish will be a threat to gain an away win. Ireland will hope the fact that Given is currently on the Manchester City bench will not lead to a regression in his form for the national team.
More bad news from the Armenia game came with the fact that central defender Martin Skrtel received a yellow card that will see him suspended for this fixture. Miroslav Stoch, who scored the winning goal against Russia will also be out with injury. “Bad news, but we have to accept it,” coach Vladimir Weiss told the UEFA website.
More bad news from the Armenia game came with the fact that central defender Martin Skrtel received a yellow card that will see him suspended for this fixture. Miroslav Stoch, who scored the winning goal against Russia will also be out with injury. “Bad news, but we have to accept it,” coach Vladimir Weiss told the UEFA website.
The Republic began their qualification campaign with back to back victories over Armenia and Andorra, before falling at home to Russia last Friday. They will need a result here to avoid falling into the chasing pack. Despite falling behind 3-0 to Russia, Ireland fought back gamely with goals from Robbie Keane and Shane Long before losing 3-2. Keane and Long are players that will again be looking to provide a spark in this fixture.
Long was called into action against Russia due to a knee injury to Kevin Doyle, an injury that will see Doyle miss this game also. In better news for Giovanni Trapattoni, Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne could return from a knee injury and take his place in the Irish defense.
KEY PLAYERS
Vladimir Weiss (Slovakia) – Vladimir Weiss, son the Slovakian coach will be a thorn in the side of the Irish on Tuesday. The speedy winger is a bag of tricks and is in fine form for Scottish power Glasgow Rangers. With an injury to striker Stoch, more pressure could be on the Slovakian midfield to contribute to the attack, something Weiss is more than capable of.
Shay Given (Republic of Ireland) – Many of the Republic’s successes over recent years have had good saves from Shay Given at the heart of them. They will inevitably face pressure at some point in this game and if Given can repel the danger the Irish will be a threat to gain an away win. Ireland will hope the fact that Given is currently on the Manchester City bench will not lead to a regression in his form for the national team.
