Austria vs Ireland 7.45pm RTÉ One
Ireland take on Austria in Vienna this evening in what has become a must-win fixture for Giovanni Trapattoni's side. The loss to Sweden in Dublin on Friday night means that Ireland are now fourth in the group, level on eleven points with Austria but behind due to their superior goal difference. The Swedes are now second in the group on fourteen points with Germany well clear on nineteen points.
Trap makes two changes to the side which faced Sweden with the much-maligned Paul Green coming into replace the much-maligned Glenn Whelan and Anthony Pilkington's beard will take the place of James McClean's tattoos.
The Austrians also suffered a loss on Friday night though this expected as they fell 3-0 to Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich. However, they do welcome Julian Baumgartlinger (the Mainz midfielder as I'm sure you are all aware) from suspension.
Ireland do have a decent record in away qualifiers under Giovanni Trapattoni though, they've never lost when playing outside of Dublin in a competitive game during his five years in charge. That probably has a lot to do with his conservative style of football being better suited to Ireland not being required to attempt the controlling of a game.
The Italian's time as Ireland manager is nearly up and while the majority will not remember him so fondly over here, in Italy he's viewed as having done quite a decent job with out 'limited' players (though he certainly had a lot to do with setting of the limitations). He's unlikely to put his reputation on the line now by changing his philosophy.
Recommended bet:
Ireland (+1) 4/5
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