The Republic of Ireland face the prospect of needing a positive result against Germany in their Euro 2016 qualifying clash.

A defeat to the reigning world champions and a victory for Poland would leave Martin O'Neill's men out of the running for an automatic place into the competition.

Republic of Ireland

O'Neill's men have had a solid qualifying campaign, losing just one of their eight matches to leave themselves in a decent position going into the final round of fixtures.

Ireland have only lost to Scotland when a Shaun Maloney strike condemned them to defeat at Hampden Park last November.

However, since then O'Neill's side have gone on a four-match unbeaten run, beating Gibralatar and Georgia in the last round of fixtures.

The victory over Georgia proved to be crucial for Ireland as they were able to close the gap to Poland in second place to two points following their defeat to Germany in the last round of fixtures.

O'Neill's men now face Germany with the knowledge that anything other than a defeat could keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive in Group D, pending the outcome of Poland's clash against Scotland.

Defensively, Ireland boast the best defensive record in the group, conceding just five goals in their eight matches, including two clean sheets in their last two victories.

Ireland produced a fine display in Gelsenkirchen to earn a point in their last match against Germany, and O'Neill will be hopeful that his side can produce a similar performance in their clash at the Aviva Stadium.

Recent form: DLDDWW
Recent form (all competitions): LDDDWW

Germany

Die Mannschaft had a slow start to their qualifying campaign with an early defeat to Poland and a draw against Ireland in their first three matches.

Low's men were stunned by the Poles in Warsaw as strikes from Arkadiusz Milik and Sebastian Mila secured the win at the National Stadium for Adam Nawalka's side.

Germany followed their loss with a draw against O'Neill's men, but since then, the world champions have been in imperious form in Group D to put them on the verge of qualifying tournament.

Die Mannschaft have won their last five matches on the spin to move to the top of the table, including their victories over Poland and Scotland in the last round of fixtures.

Low's side have found their form in the final third and are now the third-highest scoring team in qualifying behind Poland and England due to the form of Thomas Muller, who has notched eight goals in the campaign.

Defensively, Germany has been suspect at times during their Group D matches, keeping just three clean sheets in their eight matches, which have come against Gibraltar and Georgia.

Low will be hopeful that his side's improvement in the second half of the campaign continues so they don't experience a nervy final game against Georgia to confirm their place in France next year.

Recent form: DWWWWWW
Recent form (all competitions): DWLWWW

Team News

Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane has said that he expects Robbie Keane to be in the starting lineup to face the Germans, despite his late arrival in the country following the birth of his second child in the United States.

Wes Hoolahan and Seamus Coleman are both injury doubts for the clash. The Everton man has been struggling with a hamstring injury, while the Norwich City midfielder has a heel problem.

James McClean and Glenn Whelan are both unavailable due to suspension, while Marc Wilson is also a major doubt with a calf problem.

Low is in the fortunate position of having a healthy squad to pick from for the clash at the Aviva Stadium.

Germany can boast a midfield featuring Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Marco Reus for the clash against O'Neill's men, while Muller and Mario Gotze will operate in the final third.

Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels will anchor the defence, with Emre Can and Jonas Hector operating in the full-back positions.

Ireland possible starting lineup:
Given; Christie, O'Shea, Clark, Brady; Gibson, McCarthy, Hoolahan, Hendrick; Keane, Walters

Germany possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Hector, Hummels, Boateng, Can; Kroos, Schweinsteiger, Gundogan; Ozil, Muller; Gotze

Head To Head

John O'Shea scored a 94th-minute equaliser in Gelsenkirchen to earn O'Neill's men a point in their last match against Germany, which could prove to be vital in their qualifying campaign after Kroos had put the home side ahead.

Germany's last visit to Ireland yielded a crushing 6-1 victory for Low's men thanks to braces from Marco Reus and Kroos, along with strikes from Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose.

Over the course of history, Germany have won four of the 10 contests between the sides, with Ireland winning just twice. Four of the matches have ended in stalemates.

We say: Republic of Ireland 1-2 Germany

Ireland have been solid at the back throughout their qualifying campaign, but the Germans still need to secure their place in the tournament next year themselves despite leading the group. As a result, Low's men will just have enough quality to edge out Ireland to claim a narrow victory at the Aviva Stadium.