STAR PREVIEW: Republic of Ireland v Germany
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]uro 2016 Qualifiers tonight and the game of most interest to me is Republic of Ireland v Germany in Group D.
Ireland have the best defensive record in the group, conceding just five goals in eight games but despite that are only third in the table headed by Germany and Poland who so happen to be the two opponents they still need to play. Victory in just one of the matches would guarantee at least a third-place finish and a play-off spot. After that, Ireland’s hopes would lie primarily with mathematics and all options remain open – automatic qualification, a play-off spot or missing the cut with the play-off spot looking most likely.
Germany are on the verge of booking their place to Paris next year, needing just a single point to make certain, so it would be highly unlikely for them to take their foot off the pedal at the Aviva tonight. However, Ireland will take great comfort from the fact that the reverse fixture finished 1-1 last October, thanks to John O’Shea’s injury time equaliser.
Ireland’s manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Seamus Coleman will miss the match due to a hamstring injury but he is hopeful that the Everton defender will be fit again ahead of the trip to Poland.
Robbie Keane is expected to feature following the recent birth of his second son in the United States.
Germany will be without striker Lukas Podolski who has an ankle injury.
Republic of Ireland v Germany
UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier
19:45 Sky Sports 1 / Sky Sports 1 HD
HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Oct 2014 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS Germany 1-1 Ireland
Oct 2013 WORLD CUP Germany 3-0 Ireland
Oct 2012 WORLD CUP Ireland 1-6 Germany
Oct 2007 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS Ireland 0-0 Germany
Sep 2006 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS Germany 1-0 Ireland
Jun 2002 WORLD CUP Germany 1-1 Ireland
May 1994 INTERNATIONAL Germany 0-2 Ireland
May 1939 INTERNATIONAL Germany 1-1 Ireland
Oct 1936 INTERNATIONAL Ireland 5-2 Germany
May 1935INTERNATIONAL Germany 3-1 Ireland
Ireland will be over the moon to get a point against the World Champions and given their excellent defensive record and a likely sell out crowd, mainly cheering them on, that looks the best bet at around 7/2 with Star Sports.
RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-50 points)
BACK DRAW for 6 points at around 7/2 with Star Sports
RETURN SINCE START OF WORLD CUP: PROFIT 149.90 POINTS