Wales are back in World Cup Qualifying action on Tuesday night as they face yet another tough test against the Czech Republic.
The Czech’s well beat Estonia and also got a great draw against Belgium in their opening games whilst Cymru fell to a 3-1 defeat against the Red Devils in Leuven.
Rob Page will be without the likes of Ben Davies and Joe Allen through injury for the clash.
Meanwhile trio Tyler Roberts, Rabbi Matondo and Hal Robson-Kanu are also unavailable after breaching FAW protocols.
But who will be the starting 11 that will look to get Wales’ qualifying campaign back on track at the Cardiff City Stadium?
Wayne Hennessey:
It was Danny Ward who played between the sticks against Belgium last week with Hennessey only on the bench as he has slowly returned from a thigh injury.
But the Bangor born shot stopper performed well in his 95th appearance for Wales against Mexico on Saturday.
He made two notable quick first half saves before smartly stopping the dangerous Hirving Lozano after the break.
The 34 year old is likely to return to competitive action in goal against Czech Republic as he looks to join Chris Gunter in the 100 caps club in the near future.
Embed from Getty ImagesJoe Rodon:
The Tottenham Hotspur centre half was one of the best performers against Belgium last week and is continuing to make his name one of the first on the team sheet.
The 23 year old had the tough task of handling Romelu Lukaku in Leuven and did so very well for the most part.
After being rested for the Mexico clash on Saturday, he will for sure be part of the Wales defence that hosts Czech Republic.
James Lawrence:
It was up in the air as to how much James Lawrence would be involved with Wales this moth due to COVID protocols in Germany, where he plays for St. Pauli.
But after returning to his club after the Belgium game, it was announced via St. Pauli’s twitter that Lawrence had been cleared to travel back to Wales to be involved once again.
The 28 year old put in a fairly solid performance against Belgium making one brilliant challenge on Lukaku and he will slot straight back in at centre half.
Chris Mepham:
It’s certainly fair to say that Chris Mepham struggled against Belgium last Wednesday.
The 23 year old gave away the ball for the first goal as well as making a rash challenge that gave Belgium their penalty and subsequent third.
The Bournemouth centre back hasn’t been playing consistently on the south coast in the last few months which is the likely reason for his rustiness.
It’s a tough call with Ben Cabango performing so well against Mexico, but it is likely that Page will keep faith in Mepham against the Czech’s come Tuesday night.
Embed from Getty ImagesConor Roberts:
Roberts has been a massive part of Swansea City’s success this season playing every single Championship game since the opening day.
It wasn’t his night in Belgium however as he was at fault for Thorgan Hazard’s goal slipping at the back post and also struggled on the defensive side of things.
However you can’t knock the 25 year olds work rate and hopefully he will get more joy going forward as he likes to do at club level come Tuesday.
Ethan Ampadu:
Ampadu can operate as both a midfielder and centre half but has found himself turning out In more of the holding midfield role for Wales.
The youngster had one of those nights to start in Leuven but battled hard and kept up a great work rate throughout.
Ampadu will sit and be a bridge between defence and midfield whilst Morrell plays a bit further up and connects said midfield to the boys up top.
Joe Morrell:
The Luton Town midfielder played almost the full 90 over in Leuven last week after the unfortunate injury to Joe Allen in the first ten minutes.
Morrell put in a fairly decent performance in what was a disappointing night and was then an unused substitute against Mexico.
Despite the brilliant performance of Matthew Smith against Mexico on Saturday, it is likely the Morrell will be the one to fill in for the injured Allen.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeco Williams:
Williams has been an exciting player coming into the Wales frame over the last year or so with his attacking prowess, which he showed again against Belgium last week.
However, the defensive side of things is made so much harder considering he’s playing on the left side as a right footed player.
Rhys Norrington-Davies may be preferred to the Liverpool youngster but with Davies playing the full 90 on Saturday, it is likely Williams will make the XI.
Gareth Bale:
An obvious easy one this. Bale will come straight back into the XI against Czech Republic after coming on as a late sub against Mexico.
Bale was integral in Wales’ opener against Belgium making some brilliant touches to play Harry Wilson in for his goal.
With Page’s side losing to Belgium mid-week, Wales will be looking to the likes of Bale to provide the magic to get a massive three points in the World Cup Qualifying picture.
Kieffer Moore:
The big man was run ragged with Cardiff City over the last few months and has therefore only played a combined total of 53 minutes in the last two games.
Moore has been in great form for the Bluebirds and carried that into the International break grabbing the winning goal at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday night.
He has been integral for Wales in the last year and with Page pulling Moore off at half time against Mexico, you can’t help but feel this was to have the striker fully fit for the clash on Tuesday.
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry Wilson:
Wilson was the star man for Wales against Roberto Martinez’s Red Devils last week, troubling the Belgian defence and beautifully finishing the opening goal.
The Liverpool loanee excelled in the false nine role and the team struggled to threaten after he was taken off with 20 minutes to play.
However, with Moore likely to start, it may be that Wilson will be benched to make way for Daniel James who fits the winger role better.
Only time will tell but you’ve got to say dropping Wilson would be very cruel.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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