Stephen Kenny's team are just halfway through the qualifying campaign but it's already pretty close to must-win territory for the Republic.
A mere three points from four games - those coming against Gibraltar - leaves the Irish fourth in Group B and now they face European heavyweights at the Aviva Stadium.
But hope remains - the Netherlands arrive in Dublin in second place and just three points above the Republic, although having played one game fewer.
France are the runaway leaders at the top and it's that second automatic qualifying spot which is up for grabs, with Greece also in the mix.
Ireland beat the Dutch in the last competitive meeting between the sides all of 22 years ago and the hosts will have to be at their best to overcome a team featuring some of the world's top talent.
The hosts are coming off a 2-0 away defeat by the French on Thursday while Liverpool's Cody Gakpo netted as Netherlands eased to a 3-0 victory over Greece in Eindhoven.
Let's see how it unfolds - thanks for joining us.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Jason McAteer celebrates scoring the only goal as the Irish beat Netherlands 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in 2001Image caption: Jason McAteer celebrates scoring the only goal as the Irish beat Netherlands 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in 2001
Live Reporting
Alvin McCaig
All times stated are UK
Pressure piling on Republic
Republic of Ireland v Netherlands (19:45 BST)
Stephen Kenny's team are just halfway through the qualifying campaign but it's already pretty close to must-win territory for the Republic.
A mere three points from four games - those coming against Gibraltar - leaves the Irish fourth in Group B and now they face European heavyweights at the Aviva Stadium.
But hope remains - the Netherlands arrive in Dublin in second place and just three points above the Republic, although having played one game fewer.
France are the runaway leaders at the top and it's that second automatic qualifying spot which is up for grabs, with Greece also in the mix.
Ireland beat the Dutch in the last competitive meeting between the sides all of 22 years ago and the hosts will have to be at their best to overcome a team featuring some of the world's top talent.
The hosts are coming off a 2-0 away defeat by the French on Thursday while Liverpool's Cody Gakpo netted as Netherlands eased to a 3-0 victory over Greece in Eindhoven.
Let's see how it unfolds - thanks for joining us.