With the international break once again interrupting the season, how will Wales and Republic of Ireland fare in their second 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this Thursday?

Arguably joint favourites to escape Group D, Wales travel to Austria this evening at 7.45pm on Sky Sports 1, the former fired up by Marcel Koller’s claim that they were ‘lucky’ to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals. Coming off their historic run it is likely no surprise that the Welsh walked all over Moldova in their qualifying-opener. As it was in France Gareth Bale led the line, his brace (including a 95th minute penalty) complimenting goals from Sam Vokes and Joe Allen; that leaves the Real Madrid star with a Super Mega PGM of 29-35, while Vokes is at 11-15. And despite failing to start for West Brom so far this season Hal Robson-Kanu could well play a role in Vienna, heading there with a Super Mega PGM of 9-12.



They face stiff competition in the form of Austria, however. While they crashed out in the group stages of Euro 2016, their one point did come from a snore-draw against eventual winners Portugal. They also topped a Euros qualifying group that continued Russia and Sweden, their peak being a 4-1 victory against the latter in Solna. In terms of their current campaign Austria sit behind Wales only on goal difference thanks to a 2-1 win over Georgia. Marc Janko nabbed the 2nd in that game and, despite his age, remains the Austrians’ best chance of beating Wales, heading into Thursday night at a Super Mega PGM of 25-30.

Though they will have the one world-class player on the pitch Wales may find things a bit difficult against the Wunderteam, with Spreadex offering an Austria/Wales Goal Supremacy spread of 0.3-0.5 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.15-2.35.

While Wales look to maintain their (admittedly brief) perfect record, Ireland will be chasing their first win when they host Georgia at 7.45pm on Sky Sports 2. Not that Ireland will feel too disappointed with their opening game; a 2-2 draw in Belgrade is a respectable result, especially since Martin O’Neill’s side spent most of the matching soaking up Serbian pressure. A long list of injuries heading into Thursday’s fixture in Dublin is frustrating for O’Neill, though a selection of Aberdeen’s Adam Rooney (who has a Super Mega PGM of 34-40), Southampton’s Shane Long (35-41) and Stoke’s Jonthan Walters (at 27-32) upfront should be enough to overcome Georgia.



Georgia were actually in the same Euro 2016 qualifying ground as Ireland, narrowly losing 2-1 at home (thanks to a 90th minute strike from Aiden McGeady) and 1-0 away (courtesy of a goal from Walters). Their most momentous qualifying moment was a 1-0 victory over Scotland, something that might give O’Neill pause ahead of Thursday’s game. Ireland should, however, be fine, with Spreadex offering a Republic of Ireland/Georgia Goal Supremacy spread of 1.25-1.45 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.35-2.55.