Impressive from Wales now, as they keep the ball for an age. They don't get close to threatening the Irish goal but there's some real identity to their play, for want of a less cringeworthy phrase.

That's very soft, Kevin Long into the book for a foul on David Brooks. Long maybe paying the price for James McClean's early accumulator of fouls.

Image source, Reuters

Danny Gabbidon
Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

He looks up for it James McClean, we didn't see this in the last fixture, they've been pressing hard and been aggressive.

I think they're still hurting from that result at The Principality earlier in the year, a result like that stays with you and you do want to get revenge when you play again.

Image source, PA

James McClean thinks he's Stuart Pearce, that's three hefty challenges already. Lucky not to get a booking from ref Bjorn Kuipers.

Wales, much-changed, haven't got going at all yet. As soon as I type that Leeds forward Tyler Roberts makes a right nuisance of himself and almost gets clear for a shot inside the area.

Image source, Getty Images

It was the finish of a right-back playing in midfield, to be honest. A great chance for the hosts but it all came from good pressing.

Andy Townsend
Ex-Chelsea midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

It was good pressure from the Irish team pressing on the edge of the box, Cyrus Christie needs to take that ball further in but it's a great save from Hennessey.

How did you know what I was wearing?!

Andy: Retailers of green face and body paint have won this game before it even starts!

Chance! Wales youngster Matt Smith takes a poor touch on the edge of his area, Cyrus Christie wins it off him and drives into the box. Wayne Hennessey is out of his goal! Shoot!

He does but it's tentative and Hennessey is able to get across and make the save.

Massive chance.

Image source, PA

Danny Gabbidon
Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Wales have allowed Ireland to have comfortable possession which I wasn't sure they were going to do. It has just really got the crowd going.

Ireland are dominating possession.

Andy Townsend
Ex-Chelsea midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

There was some good football there from Ireland down the right with Callum Robinson and Matt Doherty.

And then James McClean just upping the tempo with a couple of crunching tackles.

How crucial is this game for the Republic of Ireland Manager?

Chris: So, is it curtains for Martin O'Neill if Wales win tonight?

Republic of Ireland haven't started like a team devoid of confidence. Impressive start as James McClean now wins a corner.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at the Aviva Stadium

It's not a capacity crowd at the Aviva Stadium, with the Football Association of Ireland estimating around 35,000 here in the 52,000-seater arena.

That's helping Wales' fans to make themselves heard, as they've filled their section behind the Welsh goal with around 2,800 fans making the trip.

Better from the hosts, Callum Robinson starts it with a smart turn, before Fantasy Football legend Matt Doherty overlaps and gets the ball into the area. Wales clear, and James McClean then gets the crowd on their feet with a cracking slidign challenge.

Crunch!

Andy Townsend
Ex-Chelsea midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Some nice play from Wales early on, you can see they've got the young technical players in Brooks and Wilson who have the ability to pick a pass especially in and around the box.

Wales win the first corner after a neat passing move on the edge of the Ireland box - but Connor Roberts overdoes his cross and it drifts long out of play.

Andy Townsend
Ex-Chelsea midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

I haven't seen it like this before prior to kick-off with so many empty seats.

I hope people start to stream in. Ireland are on the front foot early on you would expect that. I am hoping we are going to see plenty of endeavour from those young boys up front and they harry and chase James Chester and Ashley Williams.