Republic of Ireland will be hoping to make amends for the narrow defeat to Scotland when they host group leaders Poland and further improve their qualifying chances.

Meanwhile, the Poles boast a three-point cushion at the Group D summit, although they cannot afford to relax with no less than three sides breathing down their necks.

The long wait for an appearance at a major tournament ended in 2012 as the Irish made it to the European Championships, but they eventually failed to pick up a single point from three group games.

Ireland showed some promise in the World Cup qualifiers even if they missed out on the tournament finals, and they are now trying to progress to the Euro 2016.

Their campaign started really well as the Irish defeated Georgia and Gibraltar before holding World Cup winners Germany to a 1-1 draw on the road.

Martin O’Neill’s side were then beaten by Scotland in a classic six-pointer and they now face another one of those against group leaders Poland.

But, having won last three matches at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, bear in mind the Irish are 2.63 (13/8) to return to winning ways.

Martin O’Neill again faced plenty of selection problems as Gibson, Hendricks, Pilikington and McGoldrick all withdrew due to injury.

The good news is that James McClean has recovered from an ankle problem, while McGeady, Walters, Whelan and Brady should be fit to play as well.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Forde – Coleman, Keogh, Clark, Wilson – McGeady, McCarthy, S. Quinn, Hoolahan – Long, Walters.

While Poland took part at the previous two editions of the European Championship, they have yet to record a win at the Euro finals.

The team are now very motivated to qualify for the 2016 tournament in France and they appear to be on the right track at the moment.

Poland started the campaign with back to back wins over Gibraltar and Germany, although their winning run came to an end as they played out a 2-2 draw with Scotland at home.

But, Adam Nawalka’s charges opened up a three-point lead at the top of the group with a 4-0 triumph over Georgia, meaning they go into the Ireland game without any pressure.

And with Poland already bagging 15 goals in the current campaign, away win should be considered at odds of 3.00 (2/1) offered at Betfred.

The visitors are without Borussia Dortmund duo Kuba Blaszczykowski and Lukasz Piszczek, but their former teammate Robert Lewandowski is ready to lead the line.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Boruc – Olkowski, Glik, Szukala, Wawrzyniak – Peszko, Jodlowiec, Krychowiak, Rybus – Lewandowski, Milik.