Preview: Group C - Republic of Ireland vs. Spain

Following Sunday's disappointing 3-1 defeat to Croatia, the Republic of Ireland are in desperate need of some points when they return to Group C action in Gdansk on Thursday.

Unfortunately for them they come up against reigning World and European champions Spain.

However, where the Irish came out on the losing side against Croatia, Spain only went one better with their 1-1 draw against Italy.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side will have to hope that the Spaniards are similarly off-key this time around if they are to pull off a shock result.

Much has been made over Robbie Keane's place in the side since the weekend, but Trapattoni will need to call on all of the 31-year-old's experience if his team are to keep themselves in the competition.

The surprise in the Irish side could be Keane's partner in attack, with Shane Long a possible starter ahead of Kevin Doyle.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque came under much criticism for not fielding a striker from the start versus Italy so Fernando Torres, who was lively as a second-half substitute, may get the nod this time.

Elsewhere, the number one team in the world are likely to stick with much the same XI that faced the Azzurri.

Current form:

ROI: WDDWDL Spain: DWWWWD

Possible lineups:

ROI: Given; O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady; Keane, Long

Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Xabi Alonso; Silva, Xavi, Iniesta; Torres

Sports Mole says: 0-2