Preview: Republic of Ireland vs. Croatia

Sunday sees the Republic of Ireland make their first appearance at a European Championship since 1988 when they face Croatia at the Municipal Stadium in Poznan.

However, they have been given only the slimmest of chances of progressing from Group C after also being draw alongside the might of Italy and holders Spain.

If they are to make it through to the quarter-finals, then the Irish will most likely need a win against Slaven Bilic's Croatia this weekend.

Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni took the unusual step earlier this week of naming his starting lineup for the match, with Shay Given and John O'Shea recovering from injuries in time to make the cut.

Meanwhile, veteran striker Robbie Keane will partner Kevin Doyle in attack.

Croatian defender Vedran Corluka has shaken off a hamstring problem to be fit for the game, but striker Ivica Olic will not feature after he was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury.

Mario Mandzukic is instead likely to partner Everton hitman Nikica Jelavic in attack for Croatia.

Current form:

Ireland: WWDDWD Croatia: WWDLWD

Possible lineups:

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

Croatia: Pletikosa; Corluka, Schildenfeld, Simunic, Strinic; Srna, Modric, Rakitic, Pranjic; Mandzukic, Jelavic

Sports Mole says: 1-1