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8th October 2017
06:56pm BST

Group D
First of all, Ireland will need to beat Wales on Monday to give themselves any chance. Do that and they finish on 19 points overall but 13 points to go towards the playoff standings. There is an outside chance Ireland could top Group D if they win in Cardiff and Serbia lose to Georgia. A Serbia draw would mean Ireland would have to beat Wales by four goals to top the group and qualify automatically.
Here are Ireland's other chances of reaching the playoffs, assuming they beat Wales.
Group C
Northern Ireland are in second place and have 13 points, at present, to take into the playoffs picture. They are away against Norway, in Oslo, for their final game so if they lose, Ireland could match their total by beating the Welsh. Lose by more than a goal and it makes Ireland's chances even better.Group H
Bosnia and Greece are chasing second spot with the Bosnians two points adrift at present. Belgium have already topped the group and qualified. Greece look likely to beat bottom side Gibraltar on Tuesday evening - leaving them on 13 points and a +4 goal difference to take into the playoff standings. Bosnia look doomed to finish third and Greece have a far superior goal difference and goals scored tally than Ireland. The most likely scenario from this group is Greece beating Gibraltar. It would mean Ireland would have to beat Wales by four clear goals, to pip them, but Martin O'Neill's men have the distinct disadvantage of playing their final game 24 hours before Group H concludes.Group I
Croatia and Ukraine are deadlocked on points and joint in second place. A draw would see Croatia finish with 12 points - which Ireland can overtake with one more win.Explore more on these topics: