Keane is battling a knee problem while Dunne has missed several days' training this week with a muscle injury. However, both were expected to take part in the session at the Yerevan Republican Stadium this evening and be available for the game. Dunne will line up in a back four alongside Sean St Ledger with John O'Shea and Kevin Kilbane as the full-backs, while the midfield will comprise Liam Lawrence, Paul Green, Glenn Whelan and Aiden McGeady.
Keane, who will win his 101st senior international cap, will partner Kevin Doyle in attack. Boss Giovanni Trapattoni is hoping captain Keane's lack of football at Tottenham so far this season will work in his country's favour. Indeed, Trapattoni is keeping his fingers crossed that Keane's lack of recent activity will mean he is fresher than ever.
The Italian said: "Robbie is mature. I have spoken to him about whether he should stay with his club, and I said to him, 'Sure, your club need you'. "He is balanced in his mind about football because he knows from many years in England, he knows the situation. "But I am selfish and at the moment. For Ireland team, it is better he has played a few games. "He is proud and I'm sure he can play like the Robbie Keane we know."
Armenia coach Vardan Minasyan has installed the Republic of Ireland as one of the favourites to emerge from Group B. However, the 36-year-old is determined to do everything within his powers to dent their challenge.
Minasyan freely admits his own side are currently at the development stage with several of the players in his likely 18 members of the Under-21 squad which defeated Ireland home and away during the current qualification tournament at that level. But while he expects Russia and Ireland to be the big guns in the group, he is confident Armenia will play their part. He 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. "But every team goes out onto the pitch to win. Of course, we understand that Ireland are a strong team, but we will try to stop them. "I have seen the last two matches and they are very strong, very aggressive.
They are a very good team and I saw that especially in the second half against Argentina. "But every team has its strengths and weaknesses and we will try to win. A win would give us a lot of confidence. "But of course, a draw would be a good result too."
Armenia lost 3-1 to neighbouring Iran in a home friendly last month and Minasyan is realistic about their prospects in this campaign. He said: "Our team is new and we must play together to become stronger and stronger. "Of course, we expect results, but it's too early to talk about that at this stage. "I hope this team will grow stronger."
Source: DSG
