What makes tonight's clash between Ireland and Wales in Cardiff so enthralling for the neutral is that it is essentially a straight shootout for a 2018 World Cup playoff spot.
The Welsh have the slightest of advantages as they lead the Boys in Green by a point, while either side could top the group if Serbia were to slip up and lose at home to Georgia - although that is a long shot for Ireland and Wales.
Either way, both sides know victory is the option tonight and speaking pre-match at Wales' press conference, Welsh manager Chris Coleman wasn't playing down what's at stake at Cardiff City Stadium.
"It's as big as anything we've been involved in and the good thing about it is we've been here before, so we've got that experience as do the Republic of Ireland have. They've been in must win games," he said.
A view of the Cardiff City Stadium before the game ©INPHO/James Crombie
"That's what makes it exciting. There's no complaints from us. We've got to try and contain our excitement because we've always wanted to be in these games, big games where everything's on it. All eyes are on you and there's so much to play for because up until two years ago, we'd never been anywhere near it and now we are so absolutely looking forward to it. Great game and it will be a fantastic atmosphere."
Adding that there's no need to have fear or worry amid the excitement, he went on to discuss the absence of his talismanic star player Gareth Bale.
"I think even when he's fit, we haven't got one set system," he said.
"I heard it from someone, when he was fit, what Wales are 10 men behind the ball and Bale up front - a lazy comment from someone who obviously tactically does not know too much about football because even when he's in the team, we don't play with one set system."
Tune in tonight from 7pm on Newstalk for our live radio coverage of the match.
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