Republic of Ireland host Wales in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Friday night (7.45pm kick-off) with both sides looking to maintain their unbeaten start to qualification.

Martin O’Neill’s Ireland currently top Group D with three wins and a draw from their four games, with an opening game draw with Serbia followed by impressive victories over Georgia, Moldova, and Austria.

It means that they are two points ahead of second place Serbia going into the next round of matches this weekend, although they know that it won’t be easy against Chris Coleman’s Wales, who of course made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 last summer.

Nonetheless, Coleman’s side have made a sluggish start to qualification this time round, with a 4-0 victory over Moldova in gameweek one followed by three successive draws, with Austria, Georgia, and Serbia all taking points off the Welsh.

Both teams know that they cannot afford to lose this one, especially Wales, who would fall seven points behind the Irish with just five games to go with defeat in Dublin.

So, with the build-up well underway ahead of Friday’s clash, we at Shoot! have selected our ultimate Republic of Ireland-Wales six-a-side team from the squads selected for Friday’s encounter…

Darren Randolph

In Wayne Hennessey and Darren Randolph, both countries have solid and accomplished Premier League goalkeepers, both of whom are often reliable, but are prone to the odd error.

Thus, deciding between them is far from easy, and although Wales’ Hennessey has been in better form in recent weeks, keeping three clean sheets for Crystal Palace, Ireland’s Randolph has arguably been more consistent over the course of the season.

The West Ham shot-stopper came into the side at the expense of Adrian back in November, and did well as Slaven Bilic’s men picked up crucial victories over Burnley, Hull, and Swansea during the festive period.

A penalty save in the loss at Bournemouth further outlined his credentials, and although there isn’t much between them at all, Randolph just gets the nod in this side.

Ashley Williams

Both nations have very adept defenders, but none trump Wales and Everton centre-half Ashley Williams.

The 32-year-old starred in their incredible run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, and earned himself a big move to Goodison Park last summer after impressing for both club and country, with it clear how much former side Swansea have missed him this term based on their awful defensive record.

A commanding figure at the back who is aerially dominant but also good with the ball at his feet, Williams easily makes this team.

Seamus Coleman

Another Evertonian gets the nod in this side in the form of Ireland full-back Seamus Coleman.

The 28-year-old has once again been in excellent form for Ronald Koeman’s men this season, netting four goals and three assists from either a full-back or wing-back role.

And with a goal and three assists in 2017, Coleman is clearly in great form, and could well lead his country out against Wales on Friday.

Wales’ Ben Davies is also an excellent defender, and one who performed brilliantly at the Euro’s last summer, yet Coleman’s better form and greater consistency over a number of years gets him the nod.

Aaron Ramsey

He hasn’t had a great time of it at Arsenal this term, but there’s no doubting Aaron Ramsey’s quality in the middle of the park.

The 26-year-old missed a large chunk of the early phase of the season due to injury, yet did return to the side back in October, and is still now trying to rediscover his best form.

With just seven Premier League starts this season, Ramsey is clearly not convincing manager Arsene Wenger, but he is a regular for Wales and often produces his best on international duty.

And when he is at his best, he is an outstanding midfielder, which is why he gets the nod in this team.

Gareth Bale

No six-a-side team in the world would turn their nose up at Wales’ Gareth Bale – he is one of the best players in world football.

The Real Madrid star has struggled with injury this term, but has still managed seven goals in 16 La Liga matches for the Spanish giants, as well as two in their Champions League campaign.

Bale was outstanding in helping his country reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals last year, netting three goals in six games, and when you have a player of his ability in the team, you always have a chance.

His pace, trickery, directness, and desire to take defenders on makes him an absolute shoe-in for this team.

Shane Long

Neither nations are blessed with world-class strikers, yet when you have someone who is as tenacious and hard-working as Shane Long in the team, he gives everyone a real boost.

The Southampton forward has struggled to break into the first team at St Mary’s this season, starting just seven Premier League games, yet his insatiable appetite to chase everything down and lead from the front is invaluable for any team he is a part of.

The 30-year-old has scored over 100 goals in his career, and with 17 in 71 games for Ireland, as well as three in 12 last year, he is clearly an integral member of O’Neill’s squad.

Although Hal Robson-Kanu scored that sensational goal against Belgium last summer, he hasn’t impressed for new club West Brom, which is why Long just get the nod in this team.