Andy White: More excitement already than the England snoozefest yesterday.

Femi John Atoyebi: Frenetic, high pressing start from both teams

John Hartson
Former Wales striker in Cardiff

Good play from Wales, particularly Chris Gunter - looking to put the ball into the Ireland area, cause a few problems. Then a brilliant ball in by Joe Ledley, Hal Robson-Kanu comes in at pace and just can't get it on target. I think he should probably do a bit better there.

Chris Coleman's only change tonight was Hal Robson-Kanu for Sam Vokes. You'd have backed Vokes to do better with that header.

Them's the breaks.

Good stuff from Wales as Aaron Ramsey finds Chris Gunter on the right and a dangerous cross is headed away. The crowd roar in uniform approval.

Joe Ledley swings it in, Hal Robson-Kanu attacks it and that's close! Great ball in, flicked wide.

Andy Townsend
Ex-Republic of Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

It is not a problem for our team to be away from home. In this campaign we have probably had our best performances and results away from home.

I don't think the players will beat themselves up about not having a lot of the ball, it will be about taking the opportunities when they come and crucially for me if we go ahead I think we will be very difficult to break down.

Image source, Reuters

The game starts at 100mph. Ireland smash the kick-off straight out of play, Wales hack the ball high into the air, Hal Robson-Kanu charges down a cul-de-sac.

This is not tiki-taka. Blood and thunder.

John Hartson
Former Wales striker in Cardiff

I am a little bit nervous, but confident as well. I think we have enough in the group even without Gareth Bale. Wales will have total respect for Ireland. We need to be strong and disciplined.

I think this will be a stormer of a game.

Image source, PA

If you're just tuning in, a quick reminder:

If Wales win, they are at least in the play-offs, and could win Group D depending on how Serbia get on.

If the Republic of Ireland win, they are in the play-offs.

If it's a draw, Wales will finish second in the group but may not be in the play-offs. Ireland will be out.

And we are under way!

Image source, PA

Just EIGHT Wales players in the starting XI on a booking! I'm sure Chris Coleman will cross that bridge when he comes to it.

Ireland have five of their own on the proverbial tightrope.

Matthew Burns: I am so upset not to be able to watch Wales and Rep. Ireland. Should be great!

It worked for Brazil in the World Cup (to an extent), and it certainly works in Cardiff.

The a capella treatment just makes what is already one of sport's best anthems even better. Spine-tingling. Microphone destroying!

The 5 live effects mic can barely contain it.

If that doesn't fire you up then nothing will!

Image source, Reuters

Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Ashley Williams, Chester, Davies, Allen, King, Ramsey, Lawrence, Ledley, Robson-Kanu. Subs: Maxwell, Taylor, Bradshaw, Brooks, Edwards, Ampadu, Vokes, Lockyer, Jonathan Williams, Woodburn, Hedges, Ward.

Rep of Ireland: Randolph, Christie, Duffy, Clark, Ward, Arter, Brady, Meyler, Hendrick, McClean, Murphy. Subs: Doyle, O'Shea, Keogh, Whelan, McGeady, Hogan, O'Dowda, Hoolahan, Hourihane, Maguire, Kevin Long, Elliot.

Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Image source, Reuters

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport at the Cardiff City Stadium

Wales have had some special nights at the Cardiff City Stadium in recent years, such as 2015's victory over Belgium and the celebration of qualifying for Euro 2016 later that year.

Tonight's game could be another such occasion. The stadium is absolutely packed, vast swathes of red shirts and one corner in green, all making for an almighty racket.

Ese Agboaye: This is without doubt the best game between British Isles sides in months (if not years)!

A huge Wales flag is unfurled in the stands as the stadium is painted red and green. A fantastic scene.

All set?

Here they come! The teams are in the tunnel. An immense wall of noise awaits.

John Hartson
Former Wales striker in Cardiff

Image source, Getty Images

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up every time I hear the Welsh national anthem. It will be a great atmosphere. The crowd here has been brilliant throughout qualifying.

If you're just tuning in, a quick reminder:

If Wales win, they are at least in the play-offs, and could win Group D depending on how Serbia get on.

If the Republic of Ireland win, they are in the play-offs.

If it's a draw, Wales will finish second in the group but may not be in the play-offs. Ireland will be out.

Wales have won four times, the Republic five, with four draws.

All of that is irrelevant. It's about the next few hours...

TEN MINUTES to go.

TEN MINUTES to go.

TEN MINUTES to go.

TEN MINUTES to go.

TEN MINUTES to go.