Wales v Republic of Ireland preview: The facts and stats that will decide the outcome in Cardiff

Wales and Ireland clash in a crucial World Cup qualifier that could determine who tops Group D if Serbia falter against Georgia. Unibet take a look at the facts and stats that could decide the outcome in Cardiff...

Can they break the blank?
Wales and Ireland have shut each other out over their past two clashes. Back in March they played out a goalless draw in Dublin, where only three of a combined 22 goal attempts hit the target. It was the same story up front in their previous meeting — a friendly in Cardiff in August 2013 that produced more substitutions (11) than shots on target. Whoever wins this match could be heading to the World Cup qualifying play-offs. But don’t rule out 0-0.

Wales are top of the form
Wales’ Euro 2016 journey was one of the stories of the tournament. But they want to repeat that in Russia. Wales have not lost a match since that defeat to Portugal in the semi-finals. Their record reads P9 W4 D5. Those draws have proven costly, unfortunately, as they have struggled to stop Serbia topping qualifying Group D. Indeed, Wales need Serbia to draw or lose to Georgia if they are to have any chance of securing automatic progression to Russia 2018. The more likely scenario is that they finish second by drawing or beating Ireland. Still, a draw may still not be enough, depending on Croatia’s performance in Ukraine, so Chris Coleman will demand the win.

Prepare for an Irish onslaught
Ireland are not the only team to have laboured against a resilient Welsh defence in recent months. Wales have shut out Moldova, Austria and Georgia, while conceding in the 1-1 draw with Serbia. That draw proved costly but Coleman’s side shouldn’t panic. Ireland haven’t exactly been free-scoring up front themselves recently. Three goals in three games has earned them four group points. It isn’t enough and Ireland need to take the game to Wales and win, otherwise they’re out. Ireland’s away record so far reads W2 D2. They need to continue that fighting spirit.

Murphy's score could be key
Darly Murphy scored both goals for Ireland as they beat Moldova 2-0 on Friday. In reality the Irish should have scored more but there three points was the main thing. Martin O’Neil may be worried by their inefficiency in front of goal against the group’s bottom side. Just three of their ten shots hit the target. And that comes after a 1-1 draw in Georgia whereby the Irish couldn’t convert more than one of ten shots. Murphy was a substitute in Georgia but must surely start against Wales in Cardiff. He’s Ireland’s in-form striker and a goal here would certainly ensure his selection should Ireland reach the World Cup.

Can Lawrence get on a scoring roll?
Tom Lawrence took nine international appearances over two years to score his first Wales goal on Friday night. For the 23-year-old forward, international football has been a slow burner. He made his debut in Euro 2016 qualifying but was overlooked for the tournament. He’s always played a bit-part in the side and the emergence of Ben Woodburn has overshadowed the Derby County man. Lawrence hasn’t exactly been sharp on his feet for the Rams this season. He’s yet to score in nine appearances but has been given a run of starts in the side recently. Coleman will be hoping for more from this Manchester United academy graduate.