Scott McTominay is robbed in the middle of the park and suddenly the Republic are charging forward with a two v two situation... However, Aaron Hickey gets back to cover.

The Republic are doing a good job of limiting space for Scotland's full-backs, with Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey unable to venture much further forward than halfway.

Michael Stewart
Former Scotland midfielder on Premier Sports

Troy Parrott does well to wriggle away from a couple of lunging defenders in the Scotland penalty box before firing high into the net, but it's one of those late offside flags from the striker's initial run in behind.

RTE's co-commentator former Republic defender Stephen Kelly is concerned by some "sloppy Irish play" early on.

"Matt Doherty and Michael Obafemi have failed to hold the ball up a couple of times already and Stephen Kenny will be wanting them to do better."

Slick stuff from Scotland as Lyndon Dykes and Scott McTominay link well on the right but the Manchester United midfielder can only scuff his final pass straight to Irish goalkeeper Gavin Gavin Bazunu.

Michael Stewart
Former Hearts midfielder on Premier Sports

Ryan Christie drives forward with intent but the Scotland midfielder drags his shot well wide of the target.

A rather cagey start, with nothing to trouble either defence yet.

Swiss referee Sandro Scharer peeps his whistle and away we go.

Can Scotland repeat the intensity that blew Ukraine away? Can the Irish repeat the intensity that blew Scotland away in Dublin?

Strap yourselves in, this should be a cracker.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

A tantalising treat potentially awaits these boisterous Scotland fans, fuelled by a renewed sense of optimism following the mouth-watering display and 3-0 result against Ukraine.

That's the worry. When this nation starts to believe, more often than not, a sizeable reality check comes along and, with Stephen Kenny's side beginning to show some form, not least when they swept past Scotland in Dublin, this will be a test.

The noise inside Hampden Park right now is incredible with both sets of supporters giving everything to help deliver a memorable night.

Leanne Crichton
Ex-Scotland international on BBC Sportsound

The Aston Villa skipper is the undisputed darling of the Tartan Army, given his heroics for Scotland.

The 27-year-old has gone from strength to strength since making his international debut against Denmark in 2016 and, in the absence of Andy Robertson, he leads the team again tonight as he makes it a half century of caps.

The former St Mirren and Hibernian midfielder scored his 14th Scotland goal against Ukraine on Wednesday to move up to joint ninth place in the list of the nation's all-time scorers.

Image source, SNS

The teams are making their way out... Scotland in their dark blue home kit, the visitors sporting a Dundee United-style orange and black away number.

Speaking to Premier Sports TV, Scotland manager Steve Clarke explains his approach: "We want to keep the momentum going, we want to keep playing well, we want to defend well, and we want to make sure we can still qualify."

On swapping Lyndon Dykes for Che Adams, he adds: "Obviously everyone saw the performance Che put in the other night, it was fantastic but he put in a lot of effort too.

"I'm only playing with one striker, so I'm in a fortunate position where I can rotate them if needed be."

On the June defeat in Dubline, Clarke says: "We all know what happened in the summer, we want to do better, play better, and get a positive result."

Three games in six days is a punishing schedule for Scotland and manager Steve Clarke has resisted the temptation to freshen up his side.

Jack Hendry has played just seven minutes for Cremonese since moving to Serie A on loan and Kieran Tierney is returning to full fitness after another lengthy absence through injury.

Does Clarke risk going to the well too often with his trusted regulars, with Tuesday's game away to Ukraine the one that will decide top spot?

Image source, SNS

Scotland are unbeaten in all six of their home matches in the Nations League (W5 D1), keeping four clean sheets along the way. Only Italy (eight) have played more on home soil without losing in the competition.

Shane Duffy hasn't played a lot of football for Fulham this season but ex-Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given says he's "really surprised" that the centre-back has been left out by Stephen Kenny.

"He gives you so much from set-pieces in attack as well," Given told Irish broadcaster RTE's match coverage.

Another former Republic great Liam Brady says the Republic repeating their Dublin victory over the Scots would be a "big scalp" for Kenny.

Kenny Miller
Former Scotland striker at Hampden