Preview: Republic of Ireland vs. Greece

Giovanni Trapattoni
© PA Photos
The Republic of Ireland welcome Greece to Lansdowne Road on Wednesday with both sides in a fairly solid run of form.

Ireland have lost just one of their last five matches – a 6-1 hammering by Germany – and won 4-1 in the Faroe Islands three weeks ago. Meanwhile, Greece have won four of their last five games and are showing signs of the side that won Euro 2004.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side currently sit third in Group C of their World Cup 2014 qualification campaign, while Greece occupy second spot in Group G but are level on points with leaders Bosnia.

The home side will be without Sean St Ledger and Richard Dunne for the clash, but Wes Hoolahan is expected to win his second cap for his country. Meanwhile, Greece are expected to name their strongest available starting side.

Recent form:

Republic of Ireland: DWWLD
Greece: WWWDW

Possible lineups:

Republic of Ireland: Westwood; Coleman, O'Shea, McShane, Ward; Brady, McCarthy, Andrews, Hoolahan; Long, Walters

Greece: Karnezis; Holebas, Papastathopoulos, Torosidis, Maniatis; Fortounis, Ninis, Kone, Dimoutsos; Samaras, Salpingidis

Sports Mole says: 2-2
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