Republic of Ireland v Austria and Kosovo: Match details, team news, and what’s at stake

Résumé détaillé

What’s at stake? Where Ireland finish in their group, and the outcome of a subsequent promotion/relegation playoff (to be played in March), will determine what tier Ireland play…

The Republic of Ireland will play Austria and Kosovo in the two remaining group fixtures in the Nations League.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side are away to Austria on Saturday, with the game in Linz to kick-off at 7.45pm Irish time, before hosting Kosovo at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Where Ireland finish in their group, and the outcome of a subsequent promotion/relegation playoff (to be played in March), will determine what tier Ireland play in for the next Nations League.

Top the group, they’ll be promoted to League A; finish second, and Ireland will have a chance at promotion via a playoff against a third/fourth-place League A side; while a last-place finish would mean Ireland would have to beat a League C runner-up in a playoff to avoid relegation.

But more importantly, the standings at the end of the group stages will also determine the seedings for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, which will take place next month. A better finish in the group, a better seeding in the draw.

Ireland are third in Group B3 with five points from their four fixtures so far: an opening 1-0 defeat away to Kosovo, a 3-0 win over Israel in Hungary, and draws against Austria and Israel in Dublin.

Kosovo also have five points but are ahead in the standings due to the head-to-head result. Austria, with two wins and two draws, are top of the group on eight points, while Israel are bottom of the table on two points.

Nathan Collins returns after the calf injury that sidelined him for the last camp, while Josh Cullen misses out after an extended absence following knee surgery.

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Max O’Leary (West Bromwich Albion), Mark Travers (Everton).

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