Gibraltar vs. Republic of Ireland: Date and Live Stream for Euro 2016 Qualifier

Martin O'Neill takes his Republic of Ireland team to face Gibraltar at Estadio Algarve in Portugal on Friday knowing anything but three points for the Boys in Green is likely to put their Euro 2016 qualification campaign in grave peril.

The Irish currently sit five points off Group D leaders Poland, but their hopes of advancing to France next year are far from dead considering third-placed Scotland rest just two points in front.

O'Neill's men have drawn three of their Group D games thus far—the joint-most of any team in qualifying—and can afford no more slip-ups if they're to progress to the finals.

We provide the vital viewing information for Friday's game, along with a match preview as Group D minnows Gibraltar go in search of their first qualification point.

Date: Friday, September 4

Time: 7:45 p.m. BST / 2:45 p.m. ET

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK)

TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK)

2nd Time's the Charm for Ireland

As whipping boys of Group D, Gibraltar present the rest of their pool opponents with ample opportunity to boost their goal counts, having conceded 34 goals in their six matches thus far.

The Republic of Ireland matched group superiors Poland and Germany in putting seven past the semi-professional minnows without reply last October, but a more difficult task may await at the Estadio Algarve.

Paul O'Hehir of the Irish Mirror reported on Tuesday that "a minor knee problem" has put midfielder James McCarthy's involvement in doubt and that Derby County's Jeff Hendrick suffered a knock to his ankle.

O'Neill gave an update on the fitness of the two players, each of whom would be looking to provide the side with a substantial engine-room boost:

"

Jeff went over on his ankle and we’ll have to see how it is. James McCarthy has gone for a scan. Everton wanted him scanned anyway. He’s not feeling too bad and hopefully that’s just precautionary.

I was speaking to Dr Alan Byrne and more importantly the player and the players are not too concerned so that’s okay. It’s something Everton wanted to do so, fine, we’ll fall into line.

"

As things stand, the Republic of Ireland are level with Scotland in Group D's scoring ranks—with a better goal difference—and could use another blowout victory to set themselves apart from the Tartan Army on Friday.

With a win all but assured, this will be a chance for the Boys in Green to poke their noses ahead, with Germany hosting Poland in a game that could see either of the top two held back in their qualification chase.

Gibraltar's Last-Chance Saloon

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Not that Gibraltar's chances of making a first major tournament next year ever looked all that likely, but defeat on Friday could officially see their Euro 2016 hopes come to an end.

Jeff Wood's side already can't qualify as one of the top two teams, but a seventh Group D loss would mean third place also stretches out of reach for a team only given full UEFA membership two years ago.

As outlined by Metro last year, few within Gibraltar's ranks actually boast a professional football career, with joint-record cap holder Ryan Casciaro actually a police officer by day:

Despite that fact, O'Neill recently told Sky Sports he isn't underestimating Gibraltar, especially as Friday's fixture falls under conditions in which the hosts will be more comfortable:

Wood's men have only managed to record a single goal during their Euro 2016 qualification run, which came in a 6-1 defeat to Scotland in March, making any odds of a win on Friday that much slighter.

That being said, the knowledge of an impending exit may yet coax out something inspired from Gibraltar, hoping to clinch their first competitive win as a recognised national team.