Republic of Ireland make the trip to Switzerland for Tuesday's Euro 2020 qualifier knowing that victory will be enough to earn a top-two spot in Group D.
However, Switzerland, who are already assured of a place in the playoffs through their efforts in the UEFA Nations League, will move to within one point of Mick McCarthy's team with a win in Geneva.
Match preview
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Mick McCarthy stated after Saturday's goalless draw with Georgia that he was satisfied with a share of the spoils, with the result keeping the Green Army at the top of the group on their current head-to-head record with Denmark.
While the Republic of Ireland boss is justified in making that claim, such are the high stakes on Tuesday night that his opinion will change with their first defeat in the group.
With Switzerland closing their campaign with a home encounter against Georgia and a trip to minnows Gibraltar, McCarthy is aware that preventing their hosts from gaining a morale-boosting success is crucial.
Given the scenarios which remain for each nation, it is likely that Republic of Ireland will have to record maximum points from one of their last two fixtures, the latter being at home to Denmark.
There is no doubting that McCarthy's side have performed admirably to get 12 points from their opening six matches, although that could all count for little if they do not maintain their unbeaten run on Tuesday night.
Nevertheless, there is a confidence about this Irish side, who have already shown their character away from Dublin by salvaging a late 1-1 draw in Denmark.
They also struck during the closing stages against Switzerland last month, something which the Nations League semi-finalists have been on the receiving end of on five occasions during this campaign.
However, while conceding so many late strikes cannot be a coincidence, Switzerland will feel that their luck on that front will change at some point, and they know that a strong finish against their rivals could make all the difference between automatic qualification and a playoff place.
Switzerland form: WDDWL
Republic of Ireland form: WWDWDD
Team News
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Despite making his senior international debut at the weekend, young striker Aaron Connolly will likely be kept on the substitutes' bench.
Barring any late fitness issues, McCarthy could opt to select the same first XI, although Callum Robinson may revert to a central striking role in place of James Collins.
If that proves to be the case, either Alan Browne or Callum O'Dowda could come into contention for a starting position.
As for Switzerland, Kevin Mbabu may come back into the team in place of Stephan Lichtsteiner, while Remo Freuler is also pushing for a recall.
Switzerland possible starting lineup: Sommer; Elvedi, Schar, Akanji; Mbabu, Zakaria, Xhaka, Rodriguez; Embolo, Mehmedi; Seferovic
Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup: Randolph; Coleman, Duffy, Egan, Doherty; Whelan, Hourihane; Robinson, Hendrick, McClean; Collins
We say: Switzerland 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Despite their respective positions in the group, the pressure is on Republic of Ireland, and we feel that home advantage and the extra freedom to play their football will lead to Switzerland edging a tight game.
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