Poland vs Republic of Ireland Prediction and Preview – 11/10/15
Euro 2016 preview – Poland vs Republic of Ireland prediction
Poland have fitness worries over forward Arkadiusz Milik ahead of this crucial Euro 2016 qualifying match. The Ajax man picked up the injury on Thursday night against Scotland and was withdrawn after 62 minutes. If Milik makes it, Adam Nawaka could go with the same team which started in Scotland.
Republic of Ireland will be without experienced goalkeeper Shay Given, who was forced off during their 1-0 win over Germany. However, some good news for Martin O’Neil is the return to fitness of Seamus Coleman and Marc Wilson plus James McClean and Glenn Whelan are both available for selection again following suspension.
Possible Line-ups
Poland: 4-2-3-1 formation: Fabianski; Piszczek, Pazdan, Glik, Rybus; Maczynski, Krychowiak; Blaszczykowski, Grosicki, Milik; Lewandowski
Republic of Ireland: 4-3-1-2 formation: Given; Coleman, O’Shea, Keogh, Ward; Brady, McCarthy, Hendrick; Hoolahan; Walters, Murphy
Statistics
- Poland have won 4, drawn 5 and lost 1 of their last 10 matches
- Republic of Ireland have won 5, drawn 4 and lost 1 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Poland have scored an average of 2.6 goals and conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Republic of Ireland have scored an average of 2 goals and conceded an average of 0.5 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Poland’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Republic of Ireland’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
There is all to play for between the top teams in Group D, ahead of the final round of fixtures. With Germany playing at home to Georgia, both Poland and Ireland know that they are playing for the second automatic qualifying spot. Whoever loses the match, will have to settle for a place in the play-offs.
Poland will be both pleased and frustrated with their point from the match against Scotland. Having taken the lead early on, they will be disappointed not to have gone on to win the match but by claiming a late equaliser, it will feel like a point gained. Home form for Poland has been excellent of late and they are undefeated in their last 6 competitive home games. Within that run, they have beaten the world champions Germany 2-0. The key to their success will surely be their defence, if they keep Ireland out, they have a man up-front in Robert Lewandowski, who can get the goals they need.
Ireland have given themselves a somewhat unexpected opportunity to win automatic qualification to Euro 2016. The fantastic win over Germany, means they sit on the same amount of points as Poland and a win or draw of 2-2 or more, will be enough to see Ireland through to the finals. The loss of Shay Given will be a blow but with as many as four other players returning, including Seamus Coleman, the squad is in good shape. Ireland have lost only 1 of their 4 away matches in Group D and will be confident they can take something from the game.
Considering the scenario, Ireland need to come out and score a couple of goals and will not be afraid to do so. The question is, can they keep out Poland at the other end? This should be a cracking game and there could be plenty of goals, which will work in Ireland’s favour.
Tips
Over 2.5 goals at 6/5 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Draw at 5/2 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Draw and BTTS at 4/1 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
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