Republic of Ireland will attempt to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive when they travel to Austria in Group C on Tuesday.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sweden last week, a result that has left them in fourth spot in the table, level on points with Austria and three behind the second-place Swedes.

With Germany sitting top of the group on 19 points and Kazakhstan second from bottom on four, Sweden, Austria and Republic of Ireland will battle for second position in the group.

Austria also suffered disappointment last week as they were beaten 3-0 by Germany, but a 2-1 win over Sweden in June has left them with a hope of qualification. They also secured a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in Dublin.

Austria have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match and could therefore name the same team that lost to Germany last week. It had been reported that Andreas Weimann was struggling with a muscular complaint, but the Aston Villa forward is expected to line up in attack alongside Marko Arnautovic.

Republic of Ireland have a number of injury concerns, however, with Jonathan Walters, Glenn Whelan and Simon Cox all facing late fitness tests. While the former has a chance of making the clash, Whelan and Cox are rated as doubtful.

Their absence could allow the likes of Anthony Pilkington and Paul Green to come into the team, but Robbie Keane will once more lead the line alongside Shane Long.

Recent form

Austria WDWLL

Republic of Ireland: WWLDL

Possible lineups

Austria: Almer; Dragovic, Fuchs, Pogatetz, Alaba; Garics, Kavlak, Harnik, Ivanschitz; Weimann, Arnautovic

Republic of Ireland: Forde; O'Shea, Wilson, Dunne, Coleman; McCarthy, Pilkington, Green; McClean, Keane, Long

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Matt Law

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