WALES and the Republic of Ireland head into tonight’s mammoth clash at the Cardiff City Stadium knowing that a win for either side will ensure at least a play off spot for next year’s World Cup.
The hosts are looking to follow up their incredible run at Euro 2016 with a first appearance at a World Cup since 1958 by making it to Russia 2018.
Ireland are also seeking to reach their first World Cup since 2002 in Japan and South Korea.
Wales currently occupy second place in the group, one point ahead of the visitors, having leapfrogged tonight’s opponents with three successive wins.
They begin tonight’s match unbeaten in the qualifiers, although a run of five draws from their opening six games has led to them playing catchup in the table.
Ireland’s form has somewhat slipped in the the opposite direction. Last week’s routine victory over Moldova just about keeps them in contention following September’s round of games, which saw them notch only one point out of a possible six.
Although a draw would secure second spot for Wales, this may not be enough to earn a place in next month’s play-offs. In this instance, their fate would depend on the outcome of the Ukraine vs. Croatia game in Group I.
Both sides could still qualify automatically as group winners with a victory tonight. However, this would depend on the unlikely event of Serbia slipping up at home to Georgia.
Wales go into the game without talisman Gareth Bale as the Real Madrid attacker picked up an injury in the Spanish side’s champions league victory over Borussia Dortmund, in which he scored and got an assist.
The Republic are still without full-back Seamus Coleman who suffered a double leg-break from a challenge by Neil Taylor when the two sides met in Dublin last March.
Jon Walters, Shane Long and James McCarthy are also missing for Ireland.
The Boys in Green can, however, call upon Robbie Brady and James McClean after both wide men sat out Friday’s win at the Aviva stadium through suspension.
Much has been made of Wales’ home form – they have not lost at home in over four years – though Ireland hold more favour in what is a relatively tight head-to-head record, being the only side to win a competitive fixture between the two.
All signs point towards tonight’s encounter being a tense, climactic end to the qualifying campaign.
By Marc Luther Thomas
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