Cyprus v Republic of Ireland
Football: FIFA World Cup 2010 European (UEFA) Qualifiers
Saturday, 5th September 2009 - Kickoff 19:30

---

Ireland come into this vital clash in second place, just a point behind leaders Italy but the Italians have a game in hand.

At the moment Ireland look good for at least second place which should guarantee a play off place but they are still in the fight for the top spot and automatic qualification, while the Cypriots are on 5 points in fourth spot and realistically their chances have all but gone.

A win for the Irish here would leave them in a excellent position as the Italians have a tricky tie in Georgia while they then face third place Bulgaria next wednesday. Ireland have faced Cyprus several times in recent times and this is the fourth time they have been in the same qualifying group since the turn of the millenium.

The last time the sides met in Cyprus in October 2006 in a Euro 2008 qualifier, it was the scene of Ireland's worst performance and most humiliating defeat in a long time. The game ended in a 5-2 win for Cyprus.

Credit must go to the Cypriots for a crushing defeat but it had alot to do with an Irish side with an inexperienced manager in Steve Staunton and the team looked a complete mess who didnt know what they were doing.

Staunton had no management experience and should never have been appointed Irish boss, despite being an outstanding servant as a player for his country.

This wont be an easy game for the Irish as Cyprus gave Italy a really tough game earlier in a group game which the Italians only scored an injury time winner to get a 2-1 victory.

Ireland's form in the early part of the group was not too good despite getting good results but the last 2 games away at Bulgaria and Italy which resulted in 1-1 draws were much more improved.

It has not been pretty to watch but Boss Giovanni Trappatoni's defensive system has got the results and that is whats most important. This included a narrow 1-0 win at home to Cyprus earlier in the campaign.

Ireland will be without Stephen Reid who is only getting back to full training after a long term knee problem. There are also doubts over Striker Caleb Folan who played so well as a substitute in Italy and Defender Sean St Ledger.

Cyprus chances of qualification all but went after a 2-0 defeat in Bulgaria which was followed by just a point in a 2-2 draw at home to Montenegro. But they wont be here to make up the numbers and have proven a difficult side to beat at home.

However they slumped to a 6-1 defeat in a recent friendly to Albania. They will also be without key players Michalis Constantinou and Constantinos Makrides both of whom caused problems for the Irish in the past.

RECENT HEAD TO HEAD

WC 2002
Cyprus 0-4 Ireland
Ireland 4-0 Cyprus

WC 2006
Cyprus 0-1 Ireland
Ireland 3-0 Cyprus

EURO 2008
Cyprus 5-2 Ireland
Ireland 1-1 Cyprus

WC 2010
Ireland 1-0 Cyprus

THE BETTING VERDICT

Ireland need to win this and I think it will be a tight close encounter with the Irish to just edge it by the odd goal.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

CYPRUS 0-1 IRELAND

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

An IRISH WIN is available at EVENS.