Republic of Ireland v Georgia preview: Hosts looking to keep hold of third spot in Group D
Monday 7 September 2015 19:45, UK
The Republic of Ireland entertain Georgia at the Aviva Stadium on Monday night looking for the win that will keep them on course for a play-off spot at next summer's European Championships.
Martin O'Neill's side had few problems seeing off the challenge of group D whipping boys Gibraltar 4-0 away from home on Friday evening.
That victory, coupled with Scotland's 1-0 loss in Georgia earlier in the day, saw the Republic leapfrog Gordon Strachan's men into third place in the group.
Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers
However, with just three qualifiers left to play, the Republic know they cannot afford any slip-ups at home to Georgia if they want to maintain their slender one-point lead over the Scots, and with it a place in a two-legged play-off tie in November for the chance of making it to Euro 2016 in France.
And after Georgia's win against Scotland, veteran goalkeeper Shay Given has warned his team-mates that they will need to be on their guard when Kakhaber Tskhadadze's team visit Dublin on Monday.
"We wanted them to win [against Scotland], but the thing is they'll be coming to Dublin with confidence and belief," he said.
"But we will have plenty of confidence as well after the win [over Gibraltar]. We could have had more goals as well."
Meanwhile, captain Robbie Keane will put his country's needs ahead of a personal landmark on Monday.
The 35-year-old needs one more international goal to match German great Gerd Muller's tally of 68, and he will be gunning for it in Dublin.
However, the Los Angeles Galaxy frontman is adamant that the capture of three precious points will be his only focus.
"For me, the most important thing is the team," said Keane, who scored twice against Gibraltar on Friday.
"It's not about Robbie Keane, it's not about individual awards or scoring goals, it's about the team qualifying for the Euros, and if I can be a part of that and help this team in any way possible, whether it's starting or on the bench, I'm fairly happy with that."
Team news
The Republic should have Seamus Coleman back for this match after the Everton right back missed Friday's win over Gibraltar with a hamstring injury, with goalscorer Cyrus Christie covering in his absence.
Other than that, though, O'Neill has no new injury concerns to worry about.
Stats
The Republic have met Georgia six times, winning all six since their first meeting in 2003.
Keane has scored four goals in his last three appearances versus Georgia.
The Republic have scored exactly two goals in five of their six meetings with Georgia, netting four in the other.
The Republic have lost just one competitive fixture under O'Neill (W3 D3).
The Republic haven't conceded more than once in a game since losing 5-1 to Portugal in a friendly in June 2014, conceding just six goals in 10 games since.
The Republic have scored in 10 consecutive home competitive games, scoring 22 goals in the process.
Betting
The Republic are 8/15 with Sky Bet and Georgia 6/1 to spring a surprise in Dublin with the draw available at 13/5.
Victory for O'Neill's men will put them in pole position to secure third spot ahead of Scotland.
Ireland won 2-1 away from home and are 9/4 shots to clinch a victory by exactly one goal and 7/2 to win with both team scoring.
Watch live coverage of the Republic of Ireland v Georgia on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7.30pm on Monday
