1. Slovakia were unbelievably poor as they lost 3-1 in Armenia on Friday night in what was a really bad performance. They are a much better team than that performance and I expect a big response tonight.

2. We have to remember the Slovaks made the last 16 in the World Cup and have beaten Russia in Moscow already this campaign, so I expect that loss will have given them a real kick.

3. The Irish also got beat on Friday as Russia outplayed them early on and survived a late fightback to win 3-2. I think the Irish limitations were exposed and getting a goal will be tough tonight.

4. Ireland have been hard to beat under Trappatoni but certainly werent that on Friday and with both sides desperate to bounce back, Im backing home support to be crucial.