Republic of Ireland – Austria Preview: Boys in Green seek home victory

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will be without the services of his captain Robbie Keane after the LA Galaxy striker was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a calf injury sustained during the 0-0 draw with Sweden.

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, who was omitted from the original squad, has been called up as a replacement for Keane.

Marcel Koller’s side are fresh from a comprehensive 6-0 victory over the Faroe Islands on Friday.

Austria Vienna striker Philipp Hosiner scored twice for Das Team against the Faroe Islands and is expected to lead the attack against Ireland. Bayern Munich full back David Alaba also bagged a goal on Friday and is expected to start in midfield.

Bologna full-back Gyorgy Garics will be joined in defence by West Ham defender Emanuel Pogatetz and Aleksandar Dragovic, while Schalke left back, Christian Fuchs will captain the team.

Before becoming manager of Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni was at the helm of Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, where he won the Austrian Bundesliga in the 2006-07 season.

Ireland and Austria have played each other 12 times since 1952, with Austria winning eight times and Ireland winning twice.

Austria have not lost to Ireland in their last six meetings, winning five and drawing once. A victory for das Team in this game can be backed with BetVictor at 14/5.

The last t
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ime Ireland emerged victorious against Austria was nearly 40 years ago in 1963, when they ran out 3-2 winners at Dalymount Park.

Austria and Ireland last met in the qualification stage for Euro 1996, when Jack Charlton was manager, with Ireland losing by a score of 3-1 both at home and away.

Currently ranked at 79 in the Fifa World rankings, Austria have not qualified for the last three World Cups. They have, however, competed in seven, and finished third in 1954.