Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland host Wales in a vital 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this evening (7.45pm kick-off).

The Irish currently top Group D having won three and drawn the other of their four games, with their latest success coming back in November at the expense of Austria in Vienna.

Their tally of ten points means they are two points clear of Serbia in second and four ahead of Chris Coleman’s Wales in third, which highlights the magnitude of tonight’s clash in the Irish capital, especially as there are only five games to go after this one.

The Welsh have made a solid but unspectacular start to their qualifying campaign, drawing three of their four games but winning the other, and that four-point gap to Ireland is already a sizable margin to overcome, but may become insurmountable if they were to lose in Dublin this evening.

Nonetheless, Coleman’s men did reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals last year so clearly have the capabilities to win games under pressure, yet Ireland will fancy their chances of getting the three points tonight.

So, with the build-up well underway ahead of tonight’s crucial qualifier, here are THREE reasons why the Irish will pick up the three points this evening…

Excellent form in group campaign

O’Neill’s side have made an excellent start to their qualification campaign as they look to make a World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.

The Irish have won three of their four group games, their last three in a row, with an opening match 2-2 draw in Serbia followed by wins over Georgia, Moldova, and Austria, the latter of which particularly impressive.

And when you consider that three of their first four games have been away, it really has been a wonderful start for O’Neill and his men.

They top Group D, and the confidence they’ll take from their win in Austria as well as their overall start to qualifying will stand them in good stead against Wales tonight.

Unbeaten in last 15 games in Dublin

You have to go back to May 2014 for the last time Ireland lost in Dublin, with Turkey producing a fine display to beat O’Neill’s men 2-1 in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium.

Since then though, they have been sensational in their capital, winning nine and drawing six of their matches, including brilliant victories over world champions Germany back in October 2015, as well as a 1-0 success over highly-rated Switzerland this time last year.

Their home form was a key cog in their qualification for the European Championships in 2016, picking up four victories and two draws – in fact, their last competitive defeat in Dublin was back in September 2013, when they lost 2-1 at home to Sweden in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Thus, it all points to Ireland extending their fine home record against Wales this evening.

Chance to stamp authority on group

Ireland are already in a good position, but victory tonight would certainly stamp their authority on Group D.

O’Neill’s men are currently two points clear of Serbia in second and four points clear of Wales in third, so three points tonight would take them seven points clear of Chris Coleman’s men, and with five games to go, that is a very healthy lead indeed.

And with the top team advancing to the World Cup finals, and the eight best second place team advancing to the play-offs, tonight’s clash represents a great opportunity to further enhance their qualification prospects.

With Wales really in need of three points themselves, that could open it up for Ireland as the game goes on, and with the pace and attacking talent O’Neill has at his disposal, the hosts will fancy their chances of securing all three points tonight.