Craig Bellamy takes charge of his second Wales fixture Monday night as his side travel to Niksic to face Montenegro in the UEFA Nations League.
Having picked up their first point in the 0-0 draw against Türkiye at The Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night, Bellamy looks to earn his first win as Wales boss.
It’ll be a tricky test for Wales as they have failed to win away in Montenegro in two attempts. They suffered a friendly loss in 2009 before being bested again in a 2010 European Championship qualifier.
Here is a look at the potential line-up Bellamy could select, with him stating to expect changes.
Wales predicted line-up against Montenegro
Karl Darlow
New addition to the Wales squad Darlow didn’t feature in Friday nights draw as Danny Ward maintained his place between the sticks. There is a possibility that Darlow could be given his first opportunity to provide competition for the number one spot with it remaining an area that is troubling the senior set-up.
Connor Roberts
Burnley man Connor Roberts has the most experience with new the boss as they spent time together during Bellamy’s coaching stint with the Lancashire club. Roberts is expected to remain in his role for the new system. Covering every blade of grass, the highly energetic full-back plays a big role in chance creation and recovery with three successful tackles.
Joe Rodon
Rodon was solid at the back in the opening Nations League fixture and has been a mainstay in the defence over recent years for Wales. He has gained regular club minutes since his switch to Leeds United which has benefited Wales hugely.
Ben Davies
He was also very impressive alongside his defensive partner playing up against highly rated Real Madrid prospect Arda Güler. Davies is one of the players in the squad with leadership qualities, something Bellamy said he looks for in his sides.
Neco Williams
Williams alongside fellow full-back Roberts looks to have a key role in the new system drifting in field in possession and was also productive in recovery of the ball. During his 90-minute performance he successfully completed six ground duels, with one leading to the sending off of Baris Alper Yilmaz.
Ethan Ampadu
The 23-year-old is now a highly established figure in the Wales set-up having surpassed the 50 cap mark. Bellamy discussed his admiration for Anpadu’s abilities and footballing brain and believes he could play in multiple areas for Wales. He looks set to remain in his midfield position as the link between defence and attack thanks to his calm presence on the ball.
Jordan James
The energetic 20-year-old has a promising future for Wales and has already made a big impact during his limited time in the senior set-up. He didn’t have his greatest game in a Wales shirt on Friday night as he took up the more advanced role in midfield, but will surely shine as he adjusts to the new system.
Lewis Koumas
With some changes to be expected, it is possible that Lewis Koumas could take the position occupied by Sorba Thomas in the opening fixture. It would feel harsh for Thomas to lose his spot having given a man-of-the-match-winning performance on Friday but Bellamy could look to utilise fresh legs against what will be a tired Montenegro defence.
Harry Wilson
The Fulham man couldn’t quite find the magic touch to unlock the Türkiye defence despite his best effort. He’ll be expected to have better luck against Montenegro with the new system giving him plenty of on-the-ball moments.
Brennan Johnson
The general feeling with Johnson is that there is still a lot more to come from him in a Wales shirt. He always shows glimpses of his quality but hasn’t set the world alight as of yet. The Red Wall will be hoping input from former attacker Bellamy could ignite the spark needed to get the Spurs man firing.
Mark Harris
Harris spoke of how he felt his international career could be over as his Cardiff City career hit a stumbling block. He’s had a resurgence since his switch to Oxford United helping them to the Championship last term before a strong start this campaign with four goals in four league fixtures. Monday night could be his first opportunity to impress and give himself a shot at a starting place under Bellamy.
