Dinos Mavropanos hooks the ball towards the top corner and it's a stunning save from Gavin Bazunu to tip the ball around the post.

Massive.

Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas dinks the ball forwards the back post and Callum O'Dowda does really well to clear the ball behind for a corner.

Ronnie Whelan
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

Them balls up to Idah and Ferguson need to be held up. You cannot lose them, the Greeks will pick them up and they'll run at you quickly so, be better in control up front.

Will Smallbone sends the corner in but it's easily headed away by the Greek defence.

The Republic go straight at it from the off and win a corner inside the opening 10 seconds.

Off we go in Athens!

Here's a reminder of the Irish team.

Will Smallbone, Darragh Lenihan and Adam Idah are the big calls from Stephen Kenny.

Here come the teams at the OPAP Arena.

It's a 32,000-seater and it's definitely not full but there's still a decent noise.

It's time for the anthems.

Zeus, the Greek God of rain, has arrived in Athens ahead of kick-off.

Will that change things up?

Image source, Inpho

The travelling Irish support have been making the most of their trip to Greece by taking in the sights around Athens (presumably wearing factor 50).

They'll be hoping the Republic's qualification hopes aren't in ruins by the end of the night.

Sorry (not really).

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea and Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet only took over as manager last year but Greece are flying under his tenure.

They've won six of their seven competitive matches, with two wins each over Northern Ireland and Kosovo and a victories against Cyprus and Gibraltar.

He'll be hoping to extend that run this evening.

Image source, Getty Images

While the men's team have been in Greece, the Republic of Ireland's women's team have been continuing their preparations ahead of the World Cup next month.

Vera Pauw's side held an open training session in Dublin today, with more than 1200 fans in attendance.

Greece striker Vangelis Pavlidis was involved in 36 goals in 40 appearances for club side AZ in the 2022-23 campaign in all competitions, with 22 goals and 14 assists.

Pavlidis, however, only has one goal in his last 12 appearances for his national side.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley striker Michael Obafemi has been involved in four goals in just five starts for the Republic of Ireland, scoring twice and assisting twice.

However, if he is to make an impact tonight it will have to be from the bench.

Image source, Inpho

Taking in the surroundings...

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

The Republic of Ireland pushed France in their opening qualifier in Dublin but fell to defeat thanks to Benjamin Pavard's wonder goal and a last-gasp save by Mike Maignan to deny Nathan Collins a famous equaliser.

After an encouraging performance, Stephen Kenny says "nothing will be easy" as he looks to upset the odds in Group B.

"We are looking for that historic away win, that's our objective, that's what we want," Kenny added.

"Greece have a very good home record, they have been in good form over the past year - we respect that.

"Nothing will be easy, we will have to fight for everything and it's only the second game of the group, so I don't think anything is decided so early, but it is certainly going to be an important game for both teams."

"We have learned so much about the team over the last year and you can see the team improving, but this is a stern test.

"Greece are a really good team, they are at home, and it will be a brilliant atmosphere, I'm sure, and it is one that we want the players to rise to and put in a big performance."

Image source, Inpho

Greece manager Gus Poyet says Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland in Athens is "must-win for both of us".

Republic manager Stephen Kenny disagreed and said the game was important but he doesn't think "anything is decided so early".

Both sides will be aiming to push the inconsistent Netherlands for second position in Group B.

Greece beat Gibraltar in their opening game while the Irish lost to France.

World Cup finalists France are heavy favourites to top the group and have maximum points from two matches, while the Netherlands have three points from two games.

"The reality for both of us is if we don't win tomorrow it's going to be very difficult to be able to finish second," the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder added.

"That brings a special situation for the game so early in the group unless you go and beat France and Holland. But realistically for both national teams, this is a very important game."

Image source, Inpho

Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone has been handed his first competitive start in midfield as Stephen Kenny names a youthful side in Athens.

Daragh Lenihan is named in defence in place of Dara O'Shea, while Michael Obafemi and Jason Knight have to settle for a place on the bench.

Adam Idah gets the nod to start with Evan Ferguson up front.

Image source, Inpho

Gus Poyet has made three changes from their opening Group B win over Gibraltar.

In come defender Pantelis Chatzidiakos, midfielder Dimitris Kourbelis and striker Vangelis Pavlidis.

Dinos Mavropanos, Manolis Siopis and Giorgos Giakoumakis are the men to make way.

Image source, Getty Images

Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah says Brighton's teenage sensation Evan Ferguson provides "friendly competition" for a starting spot.

The Republic face Greece and Gibraltar in Euro 2024 qualifiers this month.

Idah has yet to score after 13 caps while Ferguson netted his first Irish goal in March's win over Latvia.

"He's had an unbelievable season at Brighton - whoever starts in any game, I think we all support each other and try to do the best we can," said Idah.

"That's what is so good about this team - there's no ego in this team and we all try to help each other."

Idah, 22, has spent much of the past four seasons fighting Teemu Pukki for a place in the Norwich City starting line-up, and now faces a major challenge from Ferguson on the international front.

Ferguson - four years younger than Idah - made 19 Premier League appearances in his breakthrough season and scored six goals as the Seagulls secured European football for the first time in the club's history.

Image source, Getty Images

Group B is going to be tight and competitive, so every point matters (not to state the obvious).

France are currently top with maximum points after wins over the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.

The Dutch are on three points, along with Greece who have a game in hand.

The Republic of Ireland are pointless after losing their only game to date to France while Gibraltar, unsurprisingly, are bottom of the pile after two matches.

The Republic of Ireland aren't the only team in action this evening as the international break continues.

Northern Ireland are also on their travels in Denmark as they look to get back on track.

England are heavy favourites as they travel to Malta, while Wales host Armenia in Cardiff.

We're going to focus on the Republic of Ireland in this live text, but keep an eye out on the rest of the BBC Sport website for updates on the other games.

Image source, Press Eye