Republic of Ireland need to avoid defeat in their final qualifier against Armenia to clinch a place in the play-offs for Euro 2012.
Watch Tuesday's match live on Sky Sports HD1
Republic of Ireland need to avoid defeat in their final qualifier against Armenia to clinch a place in the play-offs for Euro 2012.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men have enjoyed another solid campaign but their hopes remain very much in the balance ahead of Tuesday's clash at the Aviva Stadium.
Having clinched a 2-0 victory over Andorra last time out, the Republic are second in Group B and realistically have very little chance of overhauling leaders Russia.
Russia are two points clear at the top and will seal automatic qualification unless they suffer a shock loss at home to Andorra, who have yet to pick up a point in nine matches.
The Republic are therefore focused on finishing as runners-up and know they only need to draw with Armenia in Dublin.
Armenia, however, are the only other side that could finish second and are also in control of their own destiny as a famous victory would propel them past the Irish in the standings.
Trapattoni has vowed to take a positive approach to the game as he believes it would be a mistake to be too cautious and not think about winning.
However, he will be without one of his main attacking weapon after Robbie Keane was ruled out with an adductor muscle injury he picked up in Friday's win over Andorra.
Team news
West Brom forward Simon Cox will replace Keane in the side, getting the nod ahead of Baggies team-mate Shane Long to partner Kevin Doyle in attack.
In the absence of Keane, Shay Given will captain the Republic at the Avvia Stadium.
The Irish welcome back Richard Dunne after suspension and he will return in place of Darren O'Dea, while Stephen Kelly will take the place of the banned Stephen Ward.
Trapattoni is wary of the threat presented by Armenia after Vardan Minasyan's unfancied side surged back into contention for a top-two spot with a run of good form.
Armenia, who lost 1-0 at home to Ireland in the first round of qualifiers in September last year, have won their last three games and scored 11 goals in the process.
Robert Arzumanyan is out after straining a muscle in his right leg in Friday's 4-1 win over Macedonia, but defender Hrayr Mkoyan will be back from suspension.
