Why anything other than a win would be a failure for Ryan Giggs’ Wales side against Azerbaijan

Wales face Azerbaijan at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday evening in a crucial European Championship qualifier; as Ryan Giggs’ men look to get back to winning ways.

The Red Dragons have struggled in qualifying so far and have picked up just three points from their first three games in Group E.

Giggs’ men opened their account with a victory over Slovakia, in March, but they have now suffered two defeats in a row; against both Croatia and Hungary away from home – which leaves them in fourth place overall.

Wales need to improve and drastically; starting with their game against bottom of the table Azerbaijan in the Welsh Capital.

There is currently a lack of balance in Wales’ squad, and the withdrawal of midfield ace Aaron Ramsey leaves Giggs short of options in midfield.

Now it is time for the likes of Daniel James, Gareth Bale and Harry Wilson to step up. James, who signed for Manchester United for a fee reported in the region of £15 million; from Swansea City in the summer has started the season with a bang – scoring three times in four outings for the Red Devils.

Wilson has also started the season in excellent form following his loan move from Liverpool to AFC Bournemouth and has two goals under his belt for the Cherries so far; including a sublime free-kick against Manchester City, which is already a goal of the season contender.

There is a lot of tension and anxiety surrounding Wales at the moment, but a win against Azerbaijan would ease the pressure on what has been a poor qualifying campaign so far.

It could also give them momentum heading into tough fixtures against both Slovakia away and Croatia at home, in the middle of October.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)