This would appear to be the closest game to call of the three matches previewed here, the Republic of Ireland have continued to adopt the long ball game, getting their heads on the end of more punt’s forward than any other team in the Euro 2012 qualifiers so far.

During the World Cup 2010 qualifiers the Irish team played 439 long balls forward, over one hundred more than any other team, they also racked up 147 flick-ons during those games, significantly more than any other.

This simple but effective style of play took the Irish to the play offs in the World Cup and coach Giovanni Trapattoni has stuck with the formula for the Euro qualifiers and with two wins out of two games it is certainly working well for them.

Russia’s failure to put away their chances shows a team seriously out of form averaging just one goal at every 14 attempts.

Interestingly, while their goal threat has dropped, the Russians have been seen a steady improvement in their defensive play. Still, without an improved cutting edge up front, Russia may well struggle to fulfil their undoubted potential once again in the Euro 2012 campaign.

Castrol Perfomance verdict:
Ireland  37%
Russia   31%
Draw     32%

Czech Republic v Scotland

Castrol Performance analysis shows that the Czech Republic are failing to put away their chances and make the most of their possession in games, issues central to their defeat against Scotland in a friendly in March, and more recently, in their opening game of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania.

In that friendly at Hampden Park, which was Craig Levein’s first as Scottish boss, the Czechs mustered a total of 11 shots compared to the home side’s four attempts on goal, while the visitors also had significantly more of the ball, but a failure to put away their chances cost the Czechs the game.

This profligacy was also central to the Czechs’ defeat against Lithuania last month. In that game in Olomouc, the home side mustered an impressive 21 shots, compared to the visitors’ haul of eight, and had a massive 64% of the ball, yet once again they failed to find the back of the net. If Michal Bilek’s side are to kickstart their Euro campaign with a win against the Scots, they’ll have to rediscover their clinical edge.

Scotland too have been suffering in front of goal, their misfiring strikers make them amongst the least effective strike force in Europe.

In their Euro 2012 campaign so far, Scotland’s strikers have managed only three shots on target between them, with Kris Boyd paying for his poor form by losing his place in the squad for the upcoming set of games.

In their last game against Liechtenstein, the Scots needed a last-gasp goal from defender Stephen McManus to avoid an embarrassing draw. If the Scots are to make their mark in Group I, their strikers will need to rediscover their shooting boots sooner rather than later.

Castrol Performance verdict:
Czech Republic 67%
Scotland             11%
Draw                    22%

Wales v Bulgaria

Castrol Performance analysis shows that recently named Welsh Player of the Year, Gareth Bale is once again proving to be one of the best wide midfielders in the Premier League, attempting more crosses than any other player and embarking on the third-highest number of dribbles.

The Tottenham star was Wales’ outstanding player in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers, embarking on more dribbles than any other player in the competition (67) and creating a total of 19 goal-scoring chances, more than any of his team-mates.

Bale created an impressive four goal-scoring chances in Wales’ opening day defeat to Montenegro in the  Euro 2012 campaign and if his league form is anything to go by, the former Southampton starlet could well be the player to inspire interim boss Brian Flynn’s side to a welcome victory against Bulgaria.

Bulgaria meanwhile are struggling to fill the boots of recently retired striker Dimatar Berbatov, the current international strike force have failed to score so far in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, managing just one shot on target between them.

Berbatov was responsible for scoring five goals in Bulgaria’s 2010 World Cup qualifiers, accounting for 29% of the teams total goal haul.

While Berbatov currently enjoys his best-ever league season in England (six goals in seven games), new Bulgaria boss Lothar Matthaus will be hoping the likes of Valeri Bojinov and Dimitar Rangelov can fill the gap left by the Manchester United man, starting with the visit to the Millennium Stadium.

Castrol Performance verdict:
Wales    43%
Bulgaria 29%
Draw     28%

Zhirkov becomes Carlo Ancelotti’s first signing for Chelsea, announced on the day that the Italian officially takes his new position with the club.

While Zhirkov is considered a natural left back for his country, he is very capable of playing in midfield and that’s perhaps where Ancelotti is expecting to play the Russian, after saying “Zhirkov is naturally on the left. I think he can do all the work and play in defence and in between.”

I think that is the Italian’s way of saying the player is a left sided utility player, but maybe Chelsea have just landed a one man football machine!

Barcelona, the club Arshavin has supported since a boy, were the first club to show their intent making an offer of 12 and then 15million euros for the player. Arshavin’s club Zenit St Peterburg, possibly sensing the chance to cash in on the absurd transfer fees banded about in Western Europe set a figure of 30million and immediately Barcelona lost interest.

The arrival of Alexander Hleb at the Nou Camp will not make the situation any easier for the Russian, who must now see the opportunity of playing for his favourite club fast disappearing.

Arsenal showed an interest, but the fee would surely have put them off with their policy of buying younger players for smaller fees. Even Chelsea with their Russian connection appear to have let the player pass them by.

The truth is the top ten teams in European football already have an abundance of top quality midfielders amongst them and there really is nowhere for Arshavin to go. It is sad that he should find himself in this situation, his prize for playing well during the Euro’s.

The boyish looking Arshavin is a polite intelligent person, he knows that his club is asking too much for him and that he has probably lost the chance of his dream move to La Liga, but he remains upbeat and makes me hope that he will get his move before the start of the season.

Listerman is well known in his homeland for setting up rich Russian’s with prospective wives, and has allegedly offered the Russian players an unexpected bonus.

“For each goal I’ll present two beautiful chicks. Watch the guys react.”

The star of the tournament Andriev Arshavin seemed pretty keen on the idea saying “There are a number of bachelors in our team, this is a great incentive.”

Expect an attacking display from Russia with every player attempting to get on the scoresheet, although it is unclear whether the goalkeeper will be rewarded if it comes down to him keeping Russia in the game.