- Germany's full-back issues - Due to injuries and retirements, Germany's backline is particularly vulnerable, especially in both full-back positions. Against Poland, manager Jogi Low played Stuttgart centre-half Antonio Rudiger out of position at right-back, while the inexperienced but talented Erik Durm pitched up on the other flank. Naturally from Martin O'Neill's point of view, James McClean directness and James McGeady's ability to beat opponents will be crucial for Ireland on the wings as they look to exploit any pressure points.
- Stretching the centre-backs - Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are World Cup winners but that does not make them immune to errors. Dortmund centre-back Hummels was partly culpable for the first Poland goal on Saturday and while he is excellent when playing out from the back, can be caught out for pace. Boateng has also been prone to the occasional error, although his pace is an asset. With Germany playing a higher line than we will be, pace and pressure up front in the shape of Shane Long would give Die Mannschaft something to think about.
- Packing midfield - While Poland played a 4-4-2 and conceded possession to Germany on the way to a shock 2 - 0 win in Warsaw, it may well be prudent for O'Neill to put an extra body in midfield to protect a defence that can be susceptible. The alternative would be to play 4-4-2 like Poland did, with Robbie Keane partnering Long. The upside would be that Keane has the cold blood needed to convert rare chances but it would be a risk given that Ireland will spend much of the match pegged back and require blistering pace on the break to catch Germany cold. But a three-man midfield should give McGeady and McClean more stability in order to break forward in comparison to the two-man version.
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