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Eurosport-Yahoo! readers have spoken, and at the time of writing the vast majority think Andy Murray's absence will result in a defeat for GB in their Davis Cup tie with Ukraine.

The world number four was forced to pull out at the beginning of the week after failing to shake off the virus that forced him out of last week's event in Dubai.

And, in the Scot's absence, it'll be left to Britain's plucky minnows - namely British number two Josh Goodall, doubles specialist Ross Hutchins, and Davis Cup play-off winner Chris Eaton - to secure victory in Glasgow.

A worryingly-high 72 per cent of you think that GB have no chance in the absence of their best player, with many pointing to the fact Ukraine number one Sergiy Stakhovsky is a heavy-hitter in world tennis and is much better than his world ranking of 125 suggests.

There was a sizeable - and eloquent - minority who felt differently, however, with 28 per cent of you believing that it's not necessarily all over. The optimists' comments (the best of which are below) pointed to the fact that home-advantage is traditionally extremely important in Davis Cup ties.

Some also noted that the Ukraine team's modest doubles rankings suggest the match might easily go down to the wire.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, several of you bemoaned the fact. But as one person pointed out, the decision was made on the advice of the Davis Cup medical team.

Murray may be volatile and abrasive on occasion, but there's no doubt that this decision was, for him, an unwelcome one.

We asked: Can GB win their Davis Cup tie against Ukraine despite Andy Murray's absence. The results, as of 9:00am on Thursday:

Yes - 29 per cent (425 votes)

No - 71 per cent (1033 votes)

Your comments:

Lopezmaxi92: It'll be hard. Sergiy Stakhovsky is a decent player so more than likely he will win his two singles but I think GB can pull something out the bag. Goodall was on good run last year till virus hit him, Eaton has a big serve, and Hutchins has been doing pretty well in doubles of late too. Could be close but Ukraine I think have edge.

Andrew Broad: Neither team has any titans as far as I can see, so it's 50/50: Ukraine's experience versus Britain's home-advantage and John Lloyd's ingenious idea of holding play-offs.

Rodney T: I bet John Lloyd wished he didn't turn down Rusedski's offer to make a comeback now. Now look what the team is left with: a bunch of people who can play for hours, but is that going to win the tie? Next time maybe John will make sure he doesn't need any help from the only player to get to a grand slam final since him.

Carlinalane: They don't stand a chance. I would rather call Tim and Greg up rather than watch us be made a laughing stock by the players left.

Webbski: Murray is saving himself for the big points tournaments, and Davis Cup carries none. I don't blame him really. There is so much pressure, and reward, for winning, and the season is so tough, why waste effort just so a bunch a flag waving nationalists are happy?

Gemini_cathy2004: I am the first to criticise Murray, but if he is unwell then it is stupid to risk his career over a Davis Cup match which we are unlikely to win. Better he recovers fully and then is able to tackle the up coming Grand Slams! I live in the hope that Murray will remember that he plays for whole island when he next steps onto a court!

usandusonly2006: Andy has not looked right since the second round of the Aussie Open, and he pulled out of Dubai to recover for the Davis cup. You have to remember the game is in Glasgow and it is 90 per cent Scottish fans that will be let down - but they will still cheer on GB without him and will hopefully roar us on to victory.

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