WHAT IRELAND WANT FROM SERBIA-WALES CLASH

THERE is another huge game in Group D on Sunday, with Serbia hosting a Wales side shorn of the suspended Gareth Bale. Wales, who were hammered 6-1 on their last visit to Serbia, cannot afford to lose if they to retain any realistic hopes of making the finals.

That game kicks off at 7.45 Irish time – less than an hour after the full-time whistle is blown at the Aviva.

The outcome of the Dublin encounter might well shape the Irish camp’s view of the preferred outcome from the game in Belgrade.

It is a matter of opinion, of course, and Martin O’Neill decided against offering his take earlier this week.

But here’s one take on what the preferred scenario would be in the event of the three possible Irish outcomes from the Austria game. IRELAND WIN Ireland move onto 14 points and, in this event, a home win for Serbia would be a fairly attractive result.

That would basically turn a fourhorse race into a two-way shootout, with Serbia also on 14 and Wales and Austria out of the picture on seven. And Serbia still have to come to Dublin.

In truth, an Irish win leaves things looking rosy regardless of events in Belgrade. A draw would be sweet, too.

IRELAND DRAW

In this event, the ideal result from Belgrade would be another draw. The situation would remain the same heading into the autumn, with the top two four points clear and able to afford a slip-up. If Serbia were to win, they would be two clear of Ireland, with Moldova at home up next on the same night Ireland are in Georgia.

IRELAND LOSE

A draw would be just dandy but a shock Wales success combined with an Austrian triumph would leave only one point separating four teams. In that event, six points from Georgia away and Serbia at home would put Ireland in pole position.