THE BATTLE TO claim a place in next summer’s World Cup in Russia, continues tonight at the Aviva Stadium with Ireland facing Wales in a crunch qualifier.

Ireland's Shane Long and Wales Gareth Bales will be key figures tonight.

Ireland are currently top of Group D on 10 points after picking up three wins to date, while Wales are back in third on six points, suffering so far from three draws in their four games.

The countries last met in a friendly in August 2013, which ended in a scoreless draw. Before that, Darron Gibson, Damien Duff and Keith Fahey all netted in a 3-0 Nations Cup win for Ireland back in February 2011.

There were also Euro 2008 qualifiers — Ireland winning 1-0 in Croke Park in March 2007 thanks to a goal from Stephen Ireland and then the countries drew 2-2 in Cardiff in November 2007, with Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle bagging Ireland’s goals.

Stephen Ireland scores the only goal of the game for Ireland against Wales in March 2007. Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

So do you think Ireland will maintain their winning run in this group, can Wales pick up a highly valuable away victory or are we set for a draw?

Let us know what you reckon the outcome will be.

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Quiz: Before they face Ireland, how well do you remember these Welsh footballers?

‘That’s propaganda – that’s like going to Russia 50 years ago’: Staunton, Wales and Croke Park