Venue: Croke Park Wednesday, October 14th 2009 Kick-Off:19:45 Subscribe to Sky Now

Republic of Ireland and Montenegro go head to head later today in this final fixture from Group 8, which can be seen Live on Sky Sports with a 7pm (BST) Kick Off Time.

The Republic of Ireland go into this game knowing that they have already secured a playoff spot. However things could of been so different had the Italians not grabbed a last minute equaliser last weekend and Montenegro could feel the full force of that heart wrenching dissapointment tonight in front of a packed out Croke Park.

Montenegro go into tonights game with nothing to play for but pride. They have had a very poor qualification campaign and have won just once. However if they were to manage a shock win and Cyprus lost or drew their game with Italy then they would at least finish in a respectable 4th place.

Republic of Ireland Team News

With Aiden McGeady and Keith Andrews both one booking away from missing the 1st Leg Play Off next month Manager Giovanni Trapattoni will surely be keeping both players firmly on the sidelines for tonights game. Shay Given is also just another card from missing the 1st Leg Play Offs, but looks set to continue between the sticks. Glenn Whelan is out due to suspension.

Summary

The bookmakers are taking quite a big risk having the Irish priced up at a very attractive 1.60 to win this game. Betfair are offering 1.71 for an Irish win and for me that is great value against a side who has just won just once in 9 games. Keane will lead the front line and also looks value at 2.25 to score at anytime with Corals.

After their heroic display against Italy last weekend the Republic of Ireland will have far too much for Montenegro to handle tonight and I fully expect them to win this game by at least 2 goals to nil.

Dave's Prediction:

Republic of Ireland 2-0 Montenegro @ 7.00 with SportingBet