Euro 2016 Qualifying: Republic of Ireland vs Germany preview

October 7, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Ireland vs GermanyRepublic of Ireland will be looking to cement their place in the play-offs as well as remain in contention for the automatic qualifying berth when they host Germany in Dublin.

Meanwhile, the World Cup holders need just one more point to qualify for the Euro 2016, but they hope to extend a five-match winning run.

Republic of Ireland were unfortunate to be placed in one of the toughest groups in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, but they did well to remain in contention for a place at the tournament finals.

The Irish headed into the September qualifiers two points behind third-placed Scotland, but wins over Gibraltar and Georgia saw them move four points clear of their rivals, who lost both matches last month.

Martin O’Neill’s side have now all but secured a play-off berth, but being just two points behind Poland, who they face in the final qualifier, Republic of Ireland will attempt to place in top two as well.

A victory over Germany would certainly get them much close to the goal, so bear in mind that home win is available at 7.50 (13/2).

The coach faces serious selection worries considering that Glenn Whelan and James McClean are banned, while Seamus Coleman and Wes Hoolahan are rated doubtful.

Marc Wilson faces a fitness test as well, but Robbie Keane should start despite arriving late after his wife gave birth to a baby boy.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Given – Christie, Wilson, O’Shea, Brady – Meyler, McCarthy, Hendrick – Hoolahan – Walters, Keane.

The 2014 World Cup winners did not have the best of starts to the new qualifying campaign, but they have since shown a great deal of improvement.

A very fortunate win over Scotland was followed by the 2-0 loss to Poland and 1-1 draw with Ireland at Veltins Arena, but it didn’t take Joachim Low’s side long to return to the right track.

Die Mannschaft have since won all five qualifiers and returned to the top of the standings, and they are now very close to qualifying for the tournament finals.

Seeing that Germany head into the clash at Aviva Stadium high on confidence, it is hardly surprising they have been made 1.53 (8/15) favourites to claim maximum points.

Joachim Low opted to leave Sami Khedira, Antonio Rudiger and Benedikt Howedes out of the squad due to the lack of match fitness, with Lars Bender, Erik Durm and Julian Draxler also missing.

Galatasaray forward Lukas Podolski is rated doubtful through an ankle injury, but Karim Bellarabi has shaken off a minor knock and is fit to play.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Can, Boateng, Hummels, Hector – Schweinsteiger, Kroos – Muller, Ozil, Reus – Gotze.

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