What a game this is going to be for both sides.
Germany were expected to smash through the group stages but have suffered from a World Cup hangover which allowed Ireland (1-1 in Essen) and Poland (2-0 in Warsaw) to pick up points they hadn't been banking on.
Scotland have looked impressive so far with a dominant win against Georgia, close defeat against Germany and a draw against Poland in a dramatic game they could have won. There is no doubt Gordon Strachan and staff have managed to rejuvenate the same batch of players who were available to their predecessors.
Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland are currently sitting second in Group D and will be happy with a point from this fixture. It's difficult to assess Ireland under O'Neill as they qualified for the last European Championships in 2012 under Giovanni Trapattoni, so he was hardly starting from scratch. The early report would look as if O'Neill is carrying on the form and the squad selections are very similar
I am convinced Scotland will win this game.
The loss of James McCarthy is massive for Ireland not just because of his technical ability but his particular role within the diamond (the bottom point). He is expected to gain possession from the defence and drive forward to create attacks.
I have also been impressed with the individual performances within the Scotland squad at club level - particularly from Steven Naismith (Everton), Craig Forsyth (Derby), Andrew Robertson (Hull), Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) & Chris Martin (Derby). I expect Naismith and Fletcher to come up with the match-winning contributions.
Ireland's best players are Seamus Coleman and Aiden McGeady, and the only major concern I have for Scotland is if McGeady switches to the left rather than playing at the point of the diamond. If he goes up against Steven Whittaker we will struggle as he is more attacking minded, and Russell Martin on the right would be a better option as he is very competent in one-on-one situations.
My prediction: Scotland 1 Republic of Ireland 0
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