The Republic of Ireland will be aiming to strengthen their place at the top of Group D when they welcome Switzerland to the Aviva Stadium in Thursday's European Championship qualifier.
Mick McCarthy's men are five points clear at the top after taking 10 from the first available 12, although they have played one more game than second-placed Denmark.
Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland latest odds
Having run out 1-0 winners in Dublin the last time these sides met back in 2016, Ireland are priced at 3/1 (4.00) with bet365 to move one step closer to qualification with another victory.
However, the Nati have lost just one of their last 16 qualification fixtures, and are 21/20 (2.05) favourites to close the gap by coming out on top here.
The last two competitive encounters between this pair have both resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 21/10 (3.10) on this one also finishing up all square.
Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland team news
Matt Doherty, James McCarthy, Sean Maguire and Keiren Westwood have all withdrawn from the squad due to injury or lack of fitness, with Kieran O’Hara, Cyrus Christie and James Collins drafted in instead.
Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri has made himself unavailable for selection, opting instead to focus his attention on his club.
Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland preview
The Boys in Green find themselves in pole position thanks largely to six points gained in narrow 1-0 and 2-0 victories over minnows Gibraltar, as well as a 1-0 victory over Georgia and a creditable home draw with Denmark.
They face a much sterner test against Vladimir Petkovic’s top seeds though, who will be confident of edging closer to first place with a victory considering their strong pedigree in recent qualification campaigns.
Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland predictions
However, the visitors will have to show patience considering Ireland haven’t conceded a first-half goal in nine fixtures, with odds of 6/5 (2.20) offering strong value on the majority of goals going in after the break for Switzerland’s 12th game in 14.
All odds correct at time of publish. Please gamble responsibly.
Highest scoring half: second for a 1pt stake at 6/5 (2.20) with bet365
