Image source, Reuters

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill: "It is really getting down to crunch time now – we are a couple of points behind Serbia.

"It is a big night for us and I think the players are ready for it. We have prepared as well as we can after coming back from Georgia.

"The players coming in will re-energise the side and Wes might give us that little bit of creativity, especially at home."

Juliette said the Welsh fans were in good voice. They've just reaffirmed that with a rendition of the national anthem that was full of gusto.

Not sure about their timing, but I suspect a few of them may have had a shandy or two.

John Hartson
Former Wales striker in Chisinau

Image source, PA

Joe Allen's return is very important. Throughout the 2016 Euros in France, he was outstanding and pivotal in reaching the semis. He brings composure and balance to the midfield and Aaron Ramsey can get forward, to break into the box for goals.

When Allen comes back into the team, they feel they can give the ball in tight situations and allow him to be brave on the ball.

We cannot really afford to drop any more points. The group is tight, but Serbia, Republic of Ireland and Wales are all unbeaten. Finishing second does not guarantee a play-off spot either. This could be the group where one of the nine second-placed teams miss out.

We are relying on other results now, but Wales just need to concentrate on their own business by winning the next three games. However, they could still be in a situation where, unbelievable, they went through qualifying unbeaten and still did not reach the World Cup.

Here we go... the boys are out at the Stadionul Zimbru and awaiting the anthems.

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Radio 5 live in Chisinau

Almost certain we'll be getting another spine-tingling rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau from the Red Wall tonight.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

These lot have arrived early...

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

They're in good spirits...

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

And fine voice...

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

The teams are out in Dublin. Still waiting in Chisinau.

Image source, Reuters

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Chisinau

Fans of Eurovision may remember Moldova's entrants this year, Sunstroke Project, finished third with the spectacular, saxophone-heavy 'Hey Mamma'.

It's very popular here at Stadionul Zimbru. We're still half an hour from kick-off and it's been played a couple of times.

Image source, Reuters

Spain will be heavy favourites to maintain their unbeaten run in Group G when they come up against bottom side Liechtenstein, while second-placed Italy host Israel.

Macedonia meet Albania in Skopje in the other match in the group.

In Group I, leaders Croatia can take a huge step towards the 2018 World Cup, but face a tricky tie in Turkey.

A crucial game in Reykjavik sees Iceland meet Ukraine, with the winner of that match taking control of second place and a potential play-off spot.

Kosovo play Finland with neither side having any hope of reaching Russia next year.

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Radio 5 live in Chisinau

Even though Ben Woodburn was the headline maker on Saturday it's all about Gareth Bale in the match programme tonight.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

We asked which international game you would like to wipe from your memory...

Craig Evans: Wales v Romania 1993 we were supposed to win that 2-0 lost it 2-1 and missed the 94 World Cup.

Ian Brown
BBC football commentator in Chisinau

Image source, Reuters

Wales have never won a double header of qualifying matches under Chris Coleman. But there is no time like the present and, quite frankly, it is imperative that Wales follow up the victory over Austria with three more points here in Chisinau.

Hopes of a trip to Russia next summer have been revitalised but there is no margin for error and Wales should be capable of a comfortable win of their own before computing the significance of the result from Dublin where the Republic of Ireland host Serbia.

Joe Allen was sorely missed by Wales on Saturday. His absence through suspension allowed Austria to dominate the first half in Cardiff - Chris Coleman's tactical rethink at half-time was right on the money and just as important as the decision to send on Ben Woodburn.

Allen will return tonight . And there should at least a temptation to start with Woodburn with the teenager on such an emotional high.

You can listen to commentary from Ian Brown with summariser John Hartson on BBC Radio 5 live.

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Radio 5 live in Chisinau

Beware of the missing steps.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

There's a lot of them, especially on the entrances and exits to the many subways here.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

But once you managed to successfully negotiate your way down there's some pretty cool graffiti on show.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

There's still glimpses of it's Soviet past but Moldova and it's capital city has a certain charm as Wales look to take another step closer to World Cup qualification next year.

Right, back to Moldova...

Which international game would you like to wipe from your memory?

Shivam Manghnani: Algeria v England 2010 World Cup. Worst. Match.

Kevin Mooi: Without a shadow of doubt the 1974 World Cup Final, even though I was born in 1988. Absolutely traumatic how we lost that final

Ron Hemmink: Almost all games of Holland since World Cup 2014

Former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr labelled the team's football in Saturday's dire draw in Georgia as "hoof and hope" as he appealed for Wes Hoolahan's inclusion.

Well he and many others have got their wish although yesterday's revelation that Hoolahan had been suffering with a tight groin makes one wonder how long the veteran Norwich playmaker will last tonight.

Image source, PA

Martin O'Neill is not a man who suffers fools gladly.

After saying that he knew the reason for his side's poor performance in the 1-1 draw in Georgia on Saturday, O'Neill was asked if could elaborate by RTE football correspondent Tony O'Donoghue.

"Why would I want to share it with you?" replied the Republic manager.

Have a watch below...

By the way, their pre-match interview this evening was all very cordial.

O'Neill says his Republic of Ireland side can draw on big wins such as their shock 2015 victory over Germany in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Dublin.

"In games, when we are not having as much possession as other teams, we seem to find a way to pull it round," said O'Neill.

Image source, Inpho

It is also a huge night for the Republic of Ireland. Currently second in Group D, they can usurp Serbia at the top with a victory tonight.

Martin O'Neill's side drew 2-2 in Serbia a year ago today with Jeff Hendrick and Daryl Murphy scoring the goals.

They'll be looking for a more positive result this time around.

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Radio 5 live in Chisinau

Welcome to MallDOVA in Moldova.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

It's Chisinau's version of the Trafford Centre or Westfield if you prefer. Very modern and very popular if only for the name.

This church one of the most prettiest buildings out here.

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

It is on the outskirts of the city and its golden roofs glisten during the day in the autumnal sun.

Anyway, back to our cultural tour of Chisinau...