• Martin O'Neill's side have found the back of the net in 18 of their past 19 fixtures, only drawing a blank against Belgium at Euro 2016.
• The Republic's past 10 goals have been scored by eight different players (McClean x2, Walters x2, Long, Coleman, Murphy, Hendrick, Keane and Brady).

So far, so pretty good for the Republic.

A point in Vienna would put them atop Group D, if only for a few hours. Serbia play Wales later on tonight of course. 

Image source, .

There are four games across Europe with an early evening kick-off. Here's the full rundown:

Croatia v Iceland (17:00 GMT)

Turkey v Kosovo (17:00 GMT)

Austria v Republic of Ireland (17:00 GMT)

Georgia v Moldova (17:00 GMT)

Martin O'Neill makes three changes from the team which won in Moldova last time out. In come Harry Arter, Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick.

R. Ireland XI: Randolph; Coleman, Duffy, Clark, Brady; Arter, Whelan, Hendrick; Hoolahan, Walters, McClean

Wales' quest for the World Cup holy grail is the focus of our evening, but first we are all about the emerald isle.

The Republic of Ireland reached their second Euro finals in a row in France, but it has been 14 years and counting since they last played in the World Cup.

Matt Holland, Robbie Keane and Niall Quinn are all now gone. Can Jon Walters, Shane Long and Shane Duffy step up?

This summer Wales reached their first tournament in 58 years - and how they graced the big stage.

They went all the way to the semi-finals in the end, making friends and shocking pundits on the way.

Now, operation 'reach a World Cup' is well and truly under way. Tonight, Chris Coleman's band of brothers face arguably* their toughest fixture. Serbia away.

Image source, EPA

They have had an unbeaten start, but a draw at home to Georgia last time out may have set them back a touch. They can't afford many more slip-ups if they want to clinch the sole automatic qualifying spot available in Group D.

This, as they say, is a real test.

*Apologies Republic of Ireland fans. I did say arguably.