Wales predicted XI v Croatia: Leeds United and Bournemouth stars return
Wrexham, Wales 11 October 2023. International Friendly Match between Wales and Gibraltar. (Image: Will Cheshire)
Wales are set to take on Croatia tonight in a must win fixture in the European Championship qualifiers.
With a poor run of results in the summer and Turkey’s victory over Croatia on Thursday night, Wales know they must win the remaining fixtures to have any hope of automatic qualification.
The result could have implications on the future of Wales manager Rob Page amidst speculation of his future.
With that in mind here is a look at the potential starting 11 for tonight’s clash at the Cardiff City Stadium.
GK – Danny Ward
The goalkeeping position is an issue for Wales at the moment. They have no senior keepers getting meaningful playing time at club level and no real prospects breaking through in the position. Both Ward and Hennessey played on Wednesday night but expect Ward to get the start tonight.
RWB – Conor Roberts
He’s been ever-present at the back for Wales and will no doubt be starting again tonight. His experience and determination will be much needed for this tough test.
CB – Joe Rodon
The new Leeds United man is getting more regular game time at club level since his move in the summer that will no doubt benefit the national side. Wales will need a big performance from the back line again tonight in hopes of another clean sheet.
CB- Chris Mepham
Manager Rob Page spoke on Saturday on how they and Bournemouth have worked together to get the defender available for Sunday. He wasn’t risked in Wednesday’s friendly in the hope of being fully fit for tonight. Possibly the hardest decision will be whether to start Mepham or Tom Lockyer who may be more match fit.
CB – Ben Davies
Ben Davies is set to start and will be Captain for his country in this must win fixture. Davies spoke on Saturday of how proud he is to wear the armband and believes Wales are capable of beating ‘world class’ Croatia. He also knows that a win will go a long way to helping under pressure boss Rob Page.
LWB – Neco Williams
He’s been solid for Wales defensively and is a handful going forward. He could have a big part to play on Sunday night if he is at his usual standard.
CM – Ethan Ampadu
Despite only being 23 years of age the Leeds United midfielder has amassed 45 caps and is seen as a experienced player in the Wales squad. There is limited numbers in midfield so a big performance is needed from Ampadu and his young midfield partner.
CM – Jordan James
It’s going to be some test for the Birmingham youngster as he is to battle with a very experienced Croatian midfield. There won’t be many harder tests than this one tonight for him to learn his craft.
RW – Harry Wilson
Another regular for Wales who is expected to start tonight. The Fulham man is a dead ball specialist and it could be a set piece that helps Wales to break the Croatia defence.
LW – Daniel James
His pace on the break could prove a vital outlet for Wales. Expecting the midfield of Croatia to maintain the ball well, Wales will have to break and make it count when the chances come.
ST – Kieffer Moore
He’s off the back of a brace in Wednesday’s fixture against Gibraltar. Manager Rob Page admitted they had to drag him off at half time as he wanted a third. He’s hungry for goals and hopefully gets some Sunday night.
Wales are without Captain Aaron Ramsey and Spurs forward Brennan Johnson for Sunday’s fixture due to injury.
There are no other injury concerns in the squad with everyone training on Saturday afternoon.
Tom Lockyer could be set to start in place of Chris Mepham but Rob Page seems set to try and involve the Bournemouth defender.
Youngsters Charlie Savage and Joe Low remain with the squad and will be available on Sunday after impressing in Wednesday’s friendly.
