World Cup qualifiers: Republic of Ireland v Austria match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium

Giovanni Trapattoni, the Republic of Ireland manager, has opted for Derby County striker Conor Sammon to replace the injured Robbie Keane (Getty Images)

Republic of Ireland’s qualification hopes received a huge boost on Friday, when they held Sweden to a 0-0 draw in Stockholm. This means that a win in Dublin against Austria would move them to within three points of the leaders of Group C, Germany.

Glenn Whelan has been recalled to the starting line-up, having missed the Sweden game through injury. In addition, Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, has handed a first competitive start to young Derby striker, Conor Sammon.

In contrast with the ground-out draw in Stockholm, the Austrians come into tonight’s game having scored 10 and conceded zero in their past two games. Republic of Ireland have played just one game at home so far this campaign, a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany in October.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 19.45

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Austria 3 (Stoger 3) Republic of Ireland 1 (McGrath), European Champs Qualifier, September 1995

Republic of Ireland 1 (Houghton) Austria 3 (Polster 2, Ogris), European Champs Qualifier, June 1995

Austria 6 (Jara 2, Pirkner, Parits) Republic of Ireland 0, European Champs Qualifier, October 1971

STATS...

Republic of Ireland’s seven goals this campaign have been scored by seven different players.

Ireland’s last three goals in the competition have been scored in the last 5 minutes of each game (2 v Kazakhstan and 1 v Germany)

In Austria’s only away match in the group so far, they were held 0-0 in Kazakhstan, despite controlling 70 per cent of possession

ODDS...

Republic of Ireland to win: 2.5

Austria to win: 3.4

Draw: 3.2