The 3 key battles as Republic of Ireland host Wales on Friday

Jeff Hendrick v Aaron Ramsey

Wales’ Aaron Ramsey has had a frustrating season at Arsenal so far, although did miss a large chunk of the early phase of the campaign through injury.

The 26-year-old picked up a hamstring problem back in August and missed the next few months of the campaign, returning at the end of October in their 4-1 victory at Sunderland.

However, despite coming back into the side five months ago, Ramsey has still yet to find his best form, and has struggled to just seven Premier League starts this season.

Nonetheless, he is without doubt one of Wales’ best players, so his battle for midfield supremacy with Ireland’s Jeff Hendrick will be critical in determining which side comes out on top in Dublin.

The Burnley midfielder made the move to Turf Moor last summer after eight years at Derby County, and he has settled in well to the demands of Premier League football, starting 22 of their 29 league games, and scoring two goals.

He is strong and always contributes defensively, and that could stand him in good stead in trying to thwart Ramsey’s runs into the box, as well as the Welshman’s attempts to control and dominate the middle of the park.

Coming out on top of this battle will be integral to both sides in their quest for three points on Friday.