MX23RW : Wednesday, January 15 16:16:21| >> :600:2503611:2503611:

Preview: Group C - Republic of Ireland vs. Spain

Preview: Group C - ROI vs. Spain
© PA Photos
Sports Mole previews Ireland's vital Euro 2012 Group C clash against Spain in Gdansk on Thursday.

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

ID:30793: cacheID:30793:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2914:
Written by
Jack Prescott

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Robbie Keane
Read Next:
Keane to be dropped against Spain?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool20145148202847
2Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
3Arsenal20117239182140
4Chelsea21107441261537
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
7Bournemouth219753225734
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham217953230230
10Brentford218494037328
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham217592741-1426
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!