Czech Republic captain Tomas Rosicky is expecting a crisis-torn Republic of Ireland team to pose his side their sternest test to date of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
The Czechs top Group D after wins over Wales, Slovakia and San Marino, and now face an injury-hit Ireland outfit, with manager Steve Staunton under pressure following a miserable start to the campaign.
Staunton is without 14 players, 11 of whom have dropped out of his original 23-man squad — 10 through injury and with another suspended.
With so many problems for Staunton to contend with, his team may fold as they did during Saturday's 5-2 humiliation to Cyprus, or they will come out fighting.
Rosicky, who made his international debut at Lansdowne Road six years ago in a 3-2 defeat, is expecting the latter.
"We are waiting for a tough game," said Rosicky, signed by Arsenal over the summer for £6.8million from Borussia Dortmund.
"We've played three games in this group so far, but this will be our toughest match, primarily because it is their first at home and they will want to show the fans their campaign is not over.
"They still have a number of quality players like Robbie Keane. They are strong offensively, and they will play to win.
"I expect them to be strong, fast, and play like a typical Irish football team.
"Myself and Milan Baros know about this, so we have to prepare our team-mates who might not know about this type of game.
"But we know they were not very strong defensively against Cyprus on Saturday, and we will have to take advantage of that."
A fourth successive win in the group, and a third straight defeat for Ireland, could prove decisive for both teams.
Rosicky, though, feels matters will be far from decided, adding: "If we win it will be a good start to our qualifying campaign.
"But as the coach (Karol Bruckner) has told us, there are still a lot of matches to go."
Unlike Staunton, Bruckner has no injury worries to contend with and is poised to name an unchanged line-up following Saturday's 7-0 win over San Marino.
When asked whether he had a message of encouragement for Ireland's rookie boss Staunton, Bruckner replied: "These things happen. It (the job) is quite difficult.
"I sincerely wish him good luck, but after tomorrow's match."
