Wales predicted XI v Finland: Aaron Ramsey injury decision made
Wales boss Rob Page is faced with a decision over his captain Aaron Ramsey. (Image: Lewis Mitchell)
Wales face yet another crucial test on Thursday night as they take on Finland at the Cardiff City Stadium, hoping to keep their dreams of European Championship qualification alive.
It will be the first time Wales have faced Finland since a goalless draw in 2021.
A number of Welsh internationals made moves in the January transfer window after calls from manager Rob Page for them to seek regular game-time ahead of the last opportunity for qualification.
A win on Thursday night would set up a final in Cardiff on Tuesday 26th March, against the winners of Poland and Estonia who also play on Thursday night.
With that in mind, here is our look at the potential team Rob Page could field against Iceland.
GK – Danny Ward
A position that continues to be an issue for Wales with the goalkeeping department still struggling to get regular game time at club level. Danny Ward will be expected to start in between the sticks as he has done throughout the qualification campaign.
RWB – Connor Roberts
The back five has been a settled area for Wales with them having found a formula that has been relatively successful for them in recent outings. Connor Roberts is one of a number of Welsh internationals who have made the move to Leeds United during the January transfer window for regular game time, helping them to the top of the championship table as of writing.
CB – Joe Rodon
Leeds United team-mate Joe Rodon who also made the switch to Elland Road at the beginning of the season is expected to resume his position in Wales’ back line.
CB – Chris Mepham
The Bournemouth man did not start the last international fixture against Turkey, but is set to start on Thursday night. The options available at central defence has limited due to recent injuries and Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer out of action after his health scare.
CB – Ben Davies (c)
Ben Davies will be expected to take the captains armband in the absence of Aaron Ramsey on the field. He has always been the man for big occasions and Wales will need him at his best again in these huge games.
LWB – Neco Williams
Neco Williams has slowly grown his minutes at Nottingham Forest having struggled earlier in the season and it’ll put him in good stead for the upcoming games. He is one of Wales’ bright sparks when he’s at his best and the Red Wall will be hoping to see him bursting down the left and causing issues for opposition defences.
Embed from Getty ImagesCM – Ethan Ampadu
Another member of the Leeds squad who has helped them in their push towards promotion back to the Premier League. Amazingly at just the age of 23 his next appearance will be his 50th for his nation!
CM – Jordan James
The Birmingham City youngster has made himself an integral part of Rob Page’s plans putting in some mature performances despite only being 19 years old. Alongside Ampadu Wales could have a midfielder two that will be in place for the next decade.
Embed from Getty ImagesRW – Harry Wilson
The difficult decision for Page is who to go for in the front three positions. Fulham man Harry Wilson has been one of the stand out players during Wales’ recent international fixtures, including his two goal winning performance against Croatia in October. Wilson could be pushed hard by yet another Leeds man in Daniel James who has been in tremendous form for the championship club this season, with 12 goals and seven assists.
LW – Brennan Johnson
The Spurs forward has the potential to be the most dangerous asset going forward for Wales on his day and he will be at his best for Wales to secure qualification. He is another that could be replaced by the likes of Bournemouth’s David Brooks who himself has put in some great performances for Wales since his incredible return from a cancer diagnosis.
ST – Kieffer Moore
Another member of the squad who made a switch in the January transfer window to secure more game time ahead of the international window. Moore has been in great form since heading to Ipswich Town scoring six and assisting once in 10 appearances for the Tractor Boys.
Wales team news
Captain Aaron Ramsey has returned from injury and will link back up with the squad ahead of the crucial fixtures. He featured in Cardiff City’s 2-0 South Wales Derby defeat against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, but has had limited training in camp and will expected to play a bit part role in the Finland game.
Wycombe Wanderers defender Joe Low and Ipswich Town defender Wes Burns have dropped out of the squad after injuries, alongside Swansea’s Ben Cabango who has been replaced by Morgan Fox of QPR.
Who do you think should start on Thursday night? Let us know in the comment section below.
