Wales vs Ireland: TV channel, live stream, squad news & preview

Wales and the Republic of Ireland kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday when they face off at Cardiff City Stadium.

The neighbouring countries have become familiar foes in recent years, coming up against each other as recently as the World Cup 2018 qualification phase.

During that campaign, they played out a tempestuous 0-0 draw in Dublin before Ireland emerged victorious in Cardiff, where a James McClean goal gave Martin O'Neill's side a crucial 1-0 win.

However, the Nations League marks a new beginning for Wales under the stewardship of Ryan Giggs, so they will be hoping for a better result as he takes charge of his first competitive game. 

In the United States (US) the game will available to stream live online using ESPN+.

The game can be watched live on television in the United Kingdom (UK) via Sky Sports Main Event or S4C and it can be streamed live online using Sky Go.

Gareth Bale missed the last meeting between the teams in Cardiff but the Real Madrid star is available for this clash. Neil Taylor and Jazz Richards are not included in the panel, but Paul Dummett returns after a three-year absence. West Brom striker Hal Robson-Kanu is not involved after he retired from international football.

Potential Wales XI: Hennessey; Roberts, Chester, Mepham, Williams, B. Davies; Ramsey, Allen, Brooks, Lawrence; Bale.

The Ireland squad has been rocked by controversy in recent weeks, with Declan Rice reported to be considering an offer to play for England while Harry Arter was involved in an altercation with assistant manager Roy Keane. Both players are absent from the squad for the game against Wales. Robbie Brady, Shane Long, James McClean and Alan Browne have all been ruled out with injuries, while Aiden McGeady did not earn a call-up.

Potential Ireland XI: Randolph; Coleman, Christie, Duffy, Clark, Ward; Hendrick, Hourihane, O'Dowda, Robinson; Walters.

Home side Wales are considered 10/11 favourites to win by bet365, while Ireland's chances of winning are rated 7/2. A draw between the teams is a 21/10 bet.

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When Wales and Ireland last met in Cardiff back in October 2017, the Boys in Green came out on top and the result effectively ended the Dragons' hopes of reaching the World Cup.

It was a bitter blow for the Welsh on their home turf and Thursday's game gives them a chance to address that failing, thus naturally evoking themes of revenge. However, Giggs has warned that such thoughts simply serve as a distraction and said it is something he will not tolerate from his players.

"When you start thinking about stuff like that it can throw you off track," Giggs told reporters. "It is part of my job if there is anything in their minds about revenge - no, get it out of your head."

Wales were without Bale for that game last October and they missed his influence, but the Real Madrid forward is fully fit and firing on all cylinders at club level, notching three goals in three Liga matches this season. The presence of the 29-year-old will be a boost for the hosts as they aim to take an early advantage in the group.

However, Ireland, too, were without one of their star players for the October meeting, with Seamus Coleman missing the game due to the broken leg he sustained in the Dublin encounter between the sides and O'Neill will be pleased to have his captain available for the upcoming clash.

Interestingly, while favourites, Wales have never beaten the Boys in Green in a competitive match and they have not managed to win a game against them since 1992. They will hope to end that winless streak on Thursday, but with only one goal scored between them in the last two meetings, the Group 4 opener is likely to be similarly tight.