Ireland vs. Wales 2017 live stream: Time, TV schedule, and how to watch World Cup qualifying online

The Republic of Ireland have made a fine start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, with three straight wins having allowed Martin O’Neill’s side to move two points clear of Serbia at the top of their group. They’ll be looking to maintain their fine form when Wales make the hop across the Irish Channel for their encounter at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday.

In contrast to Ireland’s great run, Wales have rather stuttered in the aftermath of their excellent Euro 2016 campaign last summer. Chris Coleman’s men have drawn three games on the bounce, and find themselves four points adrift of the Irish pacesetters at this early stage of the qualifying campaign. They’ll look to reduce their deficit with a win here.

Date and time: Friday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local

TV: Sportsnet World (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)

Online streaming: WatchESPN (U.S.); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (U.K.)

For online listings in other countries, you can check out LiveSoccerTV

1. Wales will be reliant on a big performance from star man Gareth Bale, who has scored four times in as many games in qualifying so far. He’s just two goals short of Ian Rush’s Wales scoring record, and it seems only a matter of time before he establishes himself as his nation’s all-time most prolific player.

2. These sides last met in a rather unspectacular friendly in Cardiff back in 2013. On that occasion the game ended goalless. Their last meeting in Dublin came two years prior, when the late Gary Speed began his Wales tenure in disappointing fashion, overseeing a 3-0 defeat.

3. Ireland could be without midfielder James McCarthy, who is currently doubtful with a hamstring problem. Centre-back Shane Duffy and striker Daryl Murphy are both out with injuries.