Preview: Republic of Ireland vs. Faroe Islands

Nothing but a victory will do against the Faroe Islands on Friday night if the Republic of Ireland are to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Germany are running away with the group on 16 points, but locked on eight are Ireland, Austria and Sweden, with only one able to take the berth for the playoffs.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side go into the match at the Aviva Stadium in good form, having recently claimed a 1-1 draw against England at Wembley and a comfortable win over Georgia.

Captain Robbie Keane scored twice against Georgia and he should start, but his striker partner Shane Long is suspended, as is James McCarthy. Long's absence may hand a chance from the start for Simon Cox.

Meanwhile, Frodi Benjaminsen, who has the most goals in the current Faroe squad with five strikes to his name, will skipper the away side.

In the three previous meetings between the sides, Ireland have won all of them, conceding just one goal in the process.

Recent form

Ireland: LWDDDW

Faroe Islands: LLLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Ireland: Forde; Coleman, O'Shea, St Ledger, Kelly; Walters, Whelan, Hendrick, McGeady; Keane, Cox

Faroe Islands: Nielsen; Tor Naes, Davidsen, Frederiksberg, Gregersen; Olsen, Danielsen, Benjaminsen, Samuelsen; Edmundsson, Mouritsen

Sports Mole says: 4-0