Prediction: Republic of Ireland vs Poland

Despite taking seven points from first four matches, Republic of Ireland sit outside the qualifying berths and they are well aware a win over Poland is a must if they are to remain in the hunt for a place at the tournament finals. The group leaders have so far been thoroughly impressive and they can make a huge step towards Euro 2016 by winning in Dublin.

Following the disappointing exit from the Euro 2012, Republic of Ireland are determined to reach the second successive European Championship finals and improve on their last performance. The Irish had been placed into one of the strongest groups, but they, nonetheless, enjoyed a near-perfect start to the qualifying campaign. Back to back wins over Georgia and Gibraltar were followed by a 1-1 draw in Germany, so Martin O’Neill’s charges clearly had a lot to hope for ahead of the derby clash with Scotland. Ireland produced a decent performance at Parkhead, but eventually suffered the first defeat of the campaign, although they did improve the spirits by hammering USA 4-1 in an international friendly. Martin O’Neill’s men now face an extremely important clash against leaders Poland, where the hosts are unlikely to risk too much even if they could really use a win. The likes of Jeff Hendrick, Anthony Pilkington, David McGoldrick and Darron Gibson have been ruled out through injury, but James McClean has overcome an ankle problem and Jonathan Walters, Aiden McGeady, Robbie Brady and Glenn Whelan should be fit to play.

Poland’s results over the last few years have been hit and miss, with the national team missing a great opportunity to achieve some sort of success at the Euro 2012 tournament they co-hosted with Ukraine. But, it appears things fell into place ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifiers, with the 2-0 home win over World Cup holders Germany proving the Eastern European side might be ready to match even the big guns. The Poles also hammered Gibraltar and Georgia, but they could only muster a 2-2 home draw with Scotland, albeit completely outplaying Gordon Strachan’s side. Poland currently lead the chase in Group D, sitting three points clear of all three rivals for a top 2 finish, meaning they would probably be happy even with one point from Dublin. The visitors are, therefore, expected to play patiently and wait for any opportunity to catch the hosts on the break. Coach Adam Nawalka has surprisingly left out Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski from the squad, while his teammate Lukasz Piszczek misses out through injury. The likes of Artur Boruc and Lukasz Fabianski will be vying for a place between the sticks.

Conclusion

Republic of Ireland have only scored one goal in two matches against top sides in the group and with so many players struggling for fitness, I seriously doubt they can improve their scoring record against Poland. And with the visitors perfectly happy to sit back and play on the counter, we should see a low-scoring game.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365