European Championship Qualifiers Preview: ROI - Scotland

Just two points separate the Republic of Ireland and Scotland ahead of their crucial Qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.

European Championship Qualifiers Preview: ROI - Scotland
Scotland's Steven Naismith and Stephen Quinn battling for the ball at Celtic Park. Photo: Jason Carnduff/action images.
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By Jordan Jamison

The Republic of Ireland will look to take revenge and leapfrog Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. 

ROI currently sit fourth in Group D on eight points with Scotland two points ahead in third behind World Champions Germany and unexpected leaders Poland. A win for either side would put them into an extremely desirable position, and if Scotland were to win they would put themselves five points clear of ROI.

As Northern Ireland and England are on their way to qualification it would be fitting for these two sides to progress alongside them.

Ireland

Ireland's attempt for qualification has been going fairly well so far. They started off their campaign with a win against Georgia and a rout against Gibraltar. A late injury time equalizer in Germany secured them a vital point.

However, that great run of form didn't continue as they slumped to a 1-0 loss to Scotland at Celtic Park back in November. This was then followed up by a 1-1 draw with leaders Poland in March.

Preparation for tomorrow's game haven't gone particularly well as they looked slow and tired when they faced England in a friendly last week which dragged out to be a bore draw.

Tomorrow may well bring a return to action for 34 year old Robbie Keane who was left on the bench when Scotland defeated ROI last year. Manager Martin O'Neill said that he will "let Robbie choose whether he wants to play or not" after the death of his cousin.

Southampton striker Shane Long could possibly start as he was the man who equalised against Poland in March. Reports suggest that winger Aiden McGeady won't start as concerns over his fitness rose after training on Friday.

Scotland

The Scots started their campaign with a much tougher test than their opponents. They were unlucky to lose 2-1 to World Cup winners Germany in Dortmund but since then only two points have been dropped.

A win against Georgia was followed up by a hard fought draw in Poland and two wins against Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar. Despite this not being a must win game for Scotland it would let them power away from ROI and make the group a three way affair for the time being.

Manager Gordon Strachan will have a hard time choosing who deserves a place in the starting line up as many players impressed in a recent friendly against Qatar.

Blackburn's Grant Hanley seems to be Strachan's only real injury problem which can be easily resolved as Charlie Mulgrew can slot in beside Russell Martin.

Steven Fletcher is certain to start after scoring a hattrick in the last qualifier against Gibraltar. The man who won the previous tie between these two sides Shaun Maloney is also likely to start in midfield with Scott Brown.