World Cup Qualifier
15.10.2008 at 19:45 - Croke Park
Republic of Ireland will be aiming to go top of Group 8 when they take on Cyprus in their first home World Cup qualifier of the campaign.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men have made an encouraging start to their campaign with four points from their opening two games against Georgia and Montenegro.
The Irish will be out for revenge against the Cypriots after losing 5-2 to them in Nicosia two years ago and then drawing with them 1-1 at Croke Park 12 months ago.
Trapattoni has already named his starting line-up and he has sprung a surprise by including Manchester United youngster Darron Gibson in midfield.
Gibson, who was not included in the original squad, was given a late call-up after impressing in the challenge match against Nottingham Forest last week.
The highly-rated midfielder will win his third cap and partner Glenn Whelan in central midfield.
Damien Duff will start wide on the left on his return to the side after missing the opening two qualifiers through injury.
Paul McShane will replace the injured Steve Finnan in defence, but it remains unsure if the on-loan Hull man will start at full-back or centre-back.
Cyprus make the trip to Dublin without midfielder Constantinos Charalambides because of suspension.
Cypriot coach Angelos Anastasiades will give late fitness tests to strike duo Michael Constantinou and Yiasoumis Yiasoumi as well as midfielder Marios Nikolaou.
Michael Chrysostomos is definitely missing with a hip problem.
Cyprus will be looking to gain a positive result after only picking up one point from their opening two qualifiers.
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