Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group B Preview, Picks: Group Leaders Ireland Take On Favorites Russia, Slovakia Seeks Top Spot In Armenia

Just two rounds played thus far in Euro 2012 qualification, and many of the groups have already seen surprise upsets. For Group B, that surprise came when favorites Russia fell to Slovakia at home, 1-0. The loss leaves Russia third in the group, sitting on three points from their win over minnows Andorra, who have yet to collect any points and sit at the bottom of the group. Ireland currently lead Group B, with a better goal difference than Slovakia, but haven’t had a true test yet, with wins over Armenia and Andorra. Slovakia started off slow, needing extra time to pull off a win against Macedonia, but are riding high off that win over Russia.

Group B kicks off Euro action on Friday at 11am Eastern , with Slovakia traveling to Armenia in hopes that they can collect three points and move top of the table. Slovak striker Róbert Vittek, who scored four in World Cup play, is out with a knee injury. Vladimír Weiss has brought in Filip Šebo to replace him, and can also count on forward Stanislav Šesták. The repre will be looking to young midfield duo, captain Marek Hamšík and Miroslav Stoch, both to create chances and to finish them. While Hamšík’s form suffered in the first two qualification matches, he’s now scored four goals for Napoli in the club’s last five matches. Armenia’s only point is from their 2-2 draw against Macedonia, in which Macedonia scored the equalizer six minutes in to added time.

The group’s play ends with the big one—Ireland v Russia in Dublin on Friday at 2:45 p.m. Eastern. Russia are still smarting from their loss to Slovakia, seeking retribution against The Boys in Green. The visitors arrive without striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who picked up an ankle injury in the Tottenham Hotspur match against Aston Villa. Dick Advocaat has called up Zenit St Petersburg forward Alexander Bukharov to replace him. Advocaat has called on Arsenal winger Andrei Arshavin and Everton’s Diniyar Bilyaletdinov to better their form, with Arshavin at least failing to make any real impression against Slovakia. Ireland, meanwhile, has named an unchanged side, with Damien Duff and Keith Andrews still injured. Richard Dunne is said to be healthy enough to start in defense, although Villa fans would be hesitant to agree, following some of his recent slip-ups at the back. Robbie Keane will captain the side, although Wolves striker Kevin Doyle is in fine form and could prove to be much more threatening in the attack.