Preview: Poland vs. Republic of Ireland

The Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane era at the Republic of Ireland helm got off to a winning start on Friday night courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Latvia.

However, the Irish are expected to face a sterner test next time out when they travel to Poznan on Tuesday evening to take on Poland.

Having said that, the Poles have lost their last three matches, two of which saw their chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup end. The other defeat resulted in new coach, Adam Nawalka, losing his first game in charge.

Talisman Robert Lewandowski is expected to start for the home side, despite the fact that his club side Borussia Dortmund face rivals Bayern Munich at the weekend.

Meanwhile, O'Neill has a number of injury problems to contend with. Andy Reid has pulled out of the squad with a hamstring complaint. Defenders Joey O'Brien and Sean St Ledger will also have to pass late fitness tests if they are to feature.

There could also be a chance in goal, with David Forde tipped to take over from Keiren Westwood between the posts.

Ireland have lost only won of the last six meetings between these two nations.

Recent form

Poland: WDWLLL

ROI: DLLLWW

Possible starting lineups

Poland: Boruc; Olkowski, Jedrzejczyk, Kosznik, Kaminski; Jodlowiec, Blaszczykowski, Mierzejewski, Sobota, Krychowiak; Lewandowski

ROI: Forde; Coleman, O'Shea, Wilson, Ward; McGeady, Green, McCarthy, McClean; Walters, Long

Sports Mole says: 1-1