The Republic of Ireland look to erase the their World Cup absence by beating Armenia in their Euro 2012 qualifying clash.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side were beaten by France in their two-legged play-off but former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry clearly twice handled the ball in the build-up to the winning goal, sparking controversy.

The Republic will look to put all that behind them when they travel to Yerevan to face a side who finished bottom of their World Cup qualifying group, conceding 22 goals in the process.

They did, though, record a victory over Belgium but the Republic will be expected to win handsomely with Armenia coach Vardan Minasyan backing them to qualify from Group B, which also includes Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia and Andorra.

Minasyan said: "This is a strong group, but the favourites are Russia and Ireland.

"Slovakia and Macedonia are also strong teams, but I think Russia and Ireland will finish above them."

Trapattoni said: "I have been a manager for 30 years and I have never said 'I am sure'. But in my heart, I feel maybe we can win it.

"But it is not an easy group - Slovakia, Russia, Ireland..."

Armenia lost 3-1 to neighbouring Iran in a home friendly last month while their opponents went down 1-0 to World Cup quarter-finalists Argentina.

Republic skipper Robbie Keane and experienced defender Richard Dunne are both expected to be fit after suffering from a knee problem and muscle injury respectively.