Euro 2016 Qualifier: Republic of Ireland vs Gibraltar match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s European fixture at the Aviva Stadium

A view of the Aviva Stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

On paper this should be a comfortable win for the Republic of Ireland. In their short history of playing international football, Gibraltar have found it difficult to withstand the heavy pressure from decent opponents of the likes of Ireland.

Everton full-back Seamus Coleman will definitely miss Saturday’s encounter as he is currently nursing a hamstring injury, whilst Everton colleague James McCarthy also faces a spell on the sidelines – much to manager Martin O’Neil’s frustration.

The Republic of Ireland started the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in winning fashion when they beat Georgia 2-1, thanks to a brace from Aiden McGeady. On the same evening Gibraltar were given a rude awakening when the European minnows endured a demoralising 7-0 defeat against Poland. The below-par performance could be reprised once more on Saturday as Ireland’s superiority will no doubt prevail in the end.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5pm

STATS

This will be the first ever competitive match between the Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar.

This is only Gibraltar’s second away fixture since joining Uefa; the first ended in a 1-1 draw against Estonia.

The nations will meet for the first time at senior level. Their Under-17 teams met in a Uefa qualifier in October 2013, with Ireland clinching a 4-1 on that occasion in Yerevan.

ODDS

Ireland to win: 1.01

Gibraltar: 51.0

Draw: 21.0

TV: Sport Sports 3, 5:00pm