It looks highly likely that whichever team, Ireland or Wales, comes out of their two UEFA Nations League, League 2, Group 4 matches with more points will move on to the playoffs.
But before either side can think about that first match October 11, it will have to pick up maximum points over the next few days.
Thursday, as the Nations League qualification gets underway, both teams have winnable games: Ireland at Bulgaria, and Wales at Finland.
I would expect both Wales and Ireland to find a way to win tight, low scoring games.
Check Fubo.tv for channel listings
Turkey (-180) vs. Hungary (+550), draw (+285), 2:45 p.m. EDT (ESPN+, TUDNxtra, and Fubo.tv)
THE PICK: Turkey -1 Asian handicap (+100)
Bulgaria (+290) vs. Ireland (+110), draw (+210), 2:45 p.m. EDT (ESPN+, TUDNxtra, and Fubo.tv)
THE PICK: Ireland ML (+110)
Finland (+240) vs. Wales (+132), draw (+205), 2:45 p.m. EDT (ESPN+, TUDNxtra, and Fubo.tv)
THE PICK: Wales -0.25 Asian handicap (-104) OR Wales ML (+132)