Austria vs. Republic of Ireland: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview

Austria welcome the Republic of Ireland to the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna on Saturday, as the two nations clash in a European Qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Irish lie in second place in Group D on seven points, as Serbia top the standings on goal difference after three games.

The hosts have earned four points so far during their campaign, and a victory over Martin O'Neill's men is sorely needed.

Here is how you can watch the match.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 12

Time: 5 p.m. GMT/12 p.m. ET

Venue: Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna, Austria

TV Info: Sky Sports 1 and HD (UK); ESPN 3 (U.S. only)

Live Stream: Sky Go; WatchESPN.

Preview 

CAROLINE QUINN/Getty Images

Republic prodigy Callum O'Dowda has revealed that Ireland legend Robbie Keane has been advising him after his shock breakthrough to the full national side.

The English-born Bristol City player has been thrust into O'Neill's plans and could feature against Austria on Saturday.

James Dale of Sky Sports quoted the youngster, explaining his thoughts on his meteoric rise to prominence and his influences:

"

Probably the big one is Robbie Keane.

He has always been a legend to this nation and I've had the privilege of training with him and being around him. I've had a few conversations and a few words of advice, so it's been a real privilege.

In training, he was always helping me out saying what he thinks, his opinion of what I should be doing.

But to be honest they all have, especially Seamus Coleman.

"

Dundalk winger and reigning PFA Ireland player of the year Daryl Horgan was also included in the squad, as confirmed by the aforementioned association:

According to Harvey Burgess of The Independent, Ireland have won just two of the 14 matches between the sides and have not defeated Austria since 1963. 

David Alaba was the Austrian hero when the teams last battled—a 2014 World Cup qualifier, dashing the Republic's hopes of making it to the finals in Brazil.

The hosts will be relying on the mercurial talent of Stoke City kingpin Marko Arnautovic.

The 27-year-old No. 10 has not been prolific for his country in recent times—he has yet to register a goal in qualifying—but scored 11 times in the Premier League for the Potters last term, according to WhoScored.com.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Austria are a compact unit but have not yet found top gear in the European Qualifiers for a place at Russia 2018.

Ireland appeared motivated in the opening matches and know they must not lose games such as this if they want to finish above the Gareth Bale-powered Wales, who are in third on five points.

The Ireland starting XI is not the best compared to vintage editions, but the Boys in Green have enough in their locker to avoid defeat against an inconsistent force.