Moldova vs. Republic of Ireland: World Cup Qualifier Time, Live Stream, Preview

Moldova welcome the Republic of Ireland to the Zimbru Stadium as the teams compete in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification action in Group D on Sunday.

Both teams have struggled to varying degrees in their opening two encounters, and the home side remain planted to the bottom of the table.

The Irish have fared better than their opponents and have collected four points to reside in fourth in a tight set of standings. 

Here is how you can watch the vital game:

Date: Sunday, Oct. 9

Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Stadionul Zimbru, Chisinau, Moldova 

TV Info: ESPN3 (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 and HD (UK)

Live Stream: WatchESPN, Sky Go

Preview

Moldova could end up the whipping boys of Group D, with Ireland motivated to push forward to claim the lead at the top.

According to Sky Sports, the home side have now lost four games in a row, conceding 10 goals along the way, and only converting once—in a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland.

Darko Vojinovic/Associated Press

The visitors have suffered a blow after Robbie Brady was ruled out due to a concussion sustained in the 1-0 over Georgia, per BBC Sport. Republic coach Martin O'Neill gave an update on the talented winger.

"He was concussed," said O'Neill. "He's come back around, and the doctors are quite pleased with him."

With that injury, Ireland are missing nine players for the final qualifier, with Daryl Murphy, Keiren Westwood, Harry Arter, Stephen Quinn, Kevin Doyle, Aiden McGeady, Anthony Pilkington and Marc Wilson unavailable, according to BBC Sport. However, attacker Shane Long will be in contention for the match despite a minor leg muscle injury.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The Irish looked aggressive in their home game against Georgia, and they earned a deserved three points after Seamus Coleman's finish, kick-starting their campaign after a 2-2 opening day draw against Serbia.

The Irish lacked quality on the ball, but their positive attitude dragged them past the finish post. 

Former Ireland international Clinton Morrison was impressed with what he witnessed, as the victory was the clear priority:

"

Good result for Ireland it's not always about the performance its about the results onto Moldova Sunday hopefully another 3 points 

— Clinton Morrison (@morrisonclinton) October 6, 2016"

Moldova do not have the depth to cause the Irish much damage, and their lack of firepower and quality defence could open the flood gates for the visitors.

O'Neill's men know this is a fine opportunity to put pressure on Wales at the top of the table, and they must win matches at this level if they want to progress to Russia in 2018.