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Monday's World Cup Qualifiers preview: Wales and Republic of Ireland meet in vital clash

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 24:  Joe Ledley of Wales challenges David Meyler of the Republic of Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Republ
Image: Wales face Republic of Ireland in a crucial World Cup qualifying clash

Wales and Republic of Ireland prepare for a winner-takes-all clash in Cardiff to see who can secure at least the Group D play-off spot in World Cup qualifying on Monday.

Chris Coleman's side currently occupy second spot with 17 points, a point more than Ireland, and know a draw will be enough to clinch it while their visitors need a victory to leap above them.

Both nations could also clinch an automatic spot if Serbia (18 points) fail to beat Georgia at home, while Moldova will seek a first win of the group in their dead-rubber clash with Austria.

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"We know what the Republic are good at," said Coleman. "But this is the last game of the campaign, all or nothing for both teams."

The reverse fixture in March ended in a hard-fought goalless draw, in which Ireland captain Seamus Coleman had his leg broken in a challenge with Neil Taylor, and Coleman is expecting another physically demanding match at the Principality Stadium.

"So even without the unfortunate incident in Dublin with Tayls and Seamus, this was always going to be a game where there will be two teams locking horns. There will be lots of contact in the game, it will be physical, good players, and not much in it."

Elsewhere, the two key spots in Group G have already been determined, with Spain guaranteed to finish first ahead of their trip to Israel and Italy second as they head to Albania. FYR Macedonia host Liechtenstein, with the latter still without a point in qualifying.

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ALICANTE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Isco Alarcon of Spain celebrates after scoring Spain's 3rd goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Al
Image: Spain have already sealed top spot

In Group I, Iceland need victory at home to Kosovo to guarantee top spot, while Ukraine and Croatia's meeting will likely determine who secures the play-off spot. Both sides are locked on 17 points, with Croatia only needing a draw in Kiev. The two-point gap to Iceland means they could also still be caught if they slip up.

Elsewhere, Finland welcome Turkey in a dead-rubber match.

Watch Wales v Republic of Ireland live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm on Monday, with all other games on the Red Button

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