The Republic of Ireland's unbeaten home record in Euro 2016 qualification will face its sternest test when world champions Germany visit the Aviva Stadium on Thursday.

Martin O'Neill's side head into their penultimate qualifier knowing they can all-but seal at least a play-off spot if they equal or better Scotland's result against Poland.

Ireland are the only team in Group D that can prevent Germany from reaching next summer's championships automatically. In fact, they can still win the group if they beat both Germany and Poland in their remaining qualifying games.

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Currently trailing second-placed Poland by two points, Ireland would have to beat Germany to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive if the Poles win in Scotland.

Joachim Low's side, meanwhile, need just a point to book their ticket to France next year and head to Dublin on the back of impressive victories over Poland, 3-1 in Frankfurt, and Scotland, 3-2 at Hampden Park.

Who will qualify?

Ian Rush, Niall Quinn, Neil McCann and Gerry Armstrong on the hopes of the Home Nations and Ireland.

Team news

Everton right-back Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of the Germany game with a hamstring injury, although he could recover in time to feature against Poland on Sunday.

Norwich's Wes Hoolahan (heel) is a doubt for Thursday's game having missed training on Tuesday. Those setbacks add to O'Neill's selection headache with midfielders Glenn Whelan and James McClean suspended.

Robbie Keane is expected to feature for the Republic despite joining up with the squad late following the birth of his second son in the United States.

Germany will be without striker Lukas Podolski for their trip to Dublin. The former Arsenal forward is struggling with an ankle injury he picked up playing for Galatasaray.

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Bayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi is the only other doubt, he is struggling with a shoulder problem.

Opta stats

The Republic of Ireland are winless in six previous meetings against Germany, since beating them in a friendly prior to the 1994 World Cup (D3 L3).

Germany have scored 10 goals in their last three internationals against Ireland.

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Ireland's last three goals against Germany have been scored in the 90th minute, most recently John O'Shea's late equaliser in October 2014.

Thomas Müller has scored six times in his last four European qualifiers.

Martin O'Neill's side have let in just six goals in their last 11 internationals, and only one in their last four. O'Neill has lost just one of those 11 matches (W6 D4).

Qualifying state of play

England through, Northern Ireland and Wales edging here's how things stand.

Charlie Nicholas' prediction

Germany were a bit cold when they drew in the reverse fixture, but the Irish aren't daft and Martin O'Neill will have them set up solid knowing a point is enough to get them in a great position to qualify.

If Scotland can score two against them then Ireland will be thinking they can find the net, but they need their wide players, the likes of Aiden McGeady, to do something as the full-back area is where you can get at Germany. Then there's Robbie Keane, who will be in a great mood with the new addition to his family.

The German national team are going to go through with Georgia their last game and it might depend on how convincing they want to be and I think they will win, but it will be a narrow one.

CHARLIE PREDICTS: Republic of Ireland 1-2 Germany (Sky Bet odds - 7/1)

Betting

Republic of Ireland are 11/2 shots with Sky Bet to upset world champions Germany (1/2) in their crucial Group D clash in Dublin. Without a win in their last six against Germany, Ireland are 6/4 to win or draw in the double chance market, while it's 13/2 for a repeat of the 1-1 draw between the sides last October. Robbie Keane is 5/2 to get his name on the scoresheet for the hosts with Thomas Muller 7/2 to net first for the visitors and an 11/8 shot to score in a Germany win.

Watch the Republic of Ireland v Germany live on Thursday, 7pm, Sky Sports 1 HD.

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