Republic of Ireland v Wales World Cup qualifier: Five facts

Republic of Ireland host Wales in a hotly-anticipated World Cup Qualifier, live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Friday from 7pm.

Martin O'Neill's men are top of Group D after making a great start to their Russia 2018 qualifying campaign but they'll be put to the test by Chris Coleman's Wales, who are currently in third spot.

It's set to be a must-watch clash - and here are five facts about the contest...

Gareth Bale's closing on Rush's record

A brace on Friday would see Gareth Bale equal Ian Rush's record of 28 goals for Wales. He has scored four of Wales' eight goals in this qualifying campaign - only Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku have scored more. In addition, he scored seven of Wales' 11 goals in qualifying for Euro 2016 - 64%.

Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland eyeing best start in 22 years

A Republic of Ireland win will ensure their best start to a qualifying campaign in 22 years - since taking 13 points from their opening five qualifiers for Euro 96. That was not enough to progress to the tournament in England, as they finished runners-up in their group and lost in a play-off against the Netherlands.

Both are unbeaten in qualifying

Republic of Ireland have won their last three qualifiers. A fourth victory would be their longest run of competitive wins for 10 years. Wales have yet to taste defeat in their bid to reach their first World Cup since 1958, but have drawn their last three qualifying games since opening their campaign with a comprehensive 4-0 win against Moldova in Cardiff.

It's a rare competitive clash

The sides have only previously met twice in competitive games, the last of which came 10 years ago to the day (March 24, 2007), when Stephen Ireland scored the only goal at Croke Park. Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in the last six meetings with Wales (including friendlies), who's last win against The Green Army came over 25 years ago.

Republic of Ireland have a remarkable home record to protect

Republic of Ireland have never lost a competitive game at home under O'Neill - taking 17 points from a possible 21 available in seven previous qualifiers. They have scored in each of their last 14 competitive games in Dublin, and have kept clean sheets in each of their last four. Add to the fact that Wales's last trip across the Irish Sea was a 3-0 defeat in the Carling Nations Cup in Feb 2011 and Coleman's men are facing a tough task.

Watch Republic of Ireland v Wales on Friday night. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm.