Wales XI vs Denmark: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

Wales face a Nations League clash with Denmark in Copenhagen tonight, with Craig Bellamy’s side looking to bounce back from defeat in their opening group game.

Craig Bellamy’s side were beaten 1-0 by a strong Portugal team in their previous outing, while Denmark suffered a 3-2 defeat to Norway.

Now, all eyes turn to Copenhagen and, perhaps most importantly, the question on everyone’s lips: who will start for Wales in this crucial tie?

David Brooks and Joel Colwill are out of the matchday squad with Cameron Congreve and Charlie Savage taking their places. Joe Taylor, Jayden Lienou and Cian Ashford again miss out.

With that in mind, we have predicted the Wales XI for tonight’s game, assuming Craig Bellamy goes with a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper – Danny Ward

Wales are without first-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow this window, with the Manchester United man withdrawing due to injury.

His replacement, Danny Ward, stepped up to the plate. Despite conceding twice, one of which was ruled out by VAR. Ward put in a respectable performance, commanding his box, sharp in his distribution and making a string of saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

It was a performance that belied predictions of a 3-0 or 4-0 defeat and made a compelling case for the starting shirt. Ward will most likely keep his place against Denmark.

RB: Neco Williams, CB: Chris Mepham, Ben Davies, LB: Jay Dasilva

One change to the Welsh backline is expected later today, with Chris Mepham set to come into the side and replace one of the starters from the Portugal defeat.

Williams was especially impressive against Portugal, utilising the fluidity of the 4-3-3 to get close to defenders and prevent chances. The Nottingham Forest player will now look to stop Patrick Dorgu and Rasmus Højlund from threatening the Wales goal.

Mepham will likely replace Ben Cabango, who was booked against Portugal for delaying the restart of play before immediately having to be substituted due to injury.

Captain Davies and Dasilva are also likely to retain their places after both played the full 90 minutes against Portugal. Davies has shown strong leadership as Wales captain, while Dasilva has continued to prove himself a reliable team player.

Midfield – Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Brennan Johnson

Ampadu and Sheehan remain in the side after a respectable outing in Lisbon, whilst Brennan Johnson is likely to start.

Ampadu and Sheehan work well together in the midfield, with strong passing and communication keeping the midfield together. Sheehan does the simple stuff brilliantly, Ampadu does the dirty work, and together, they give Wales a solid base.

Johnson could be an option to play in the 10 role against Denmark. It would give him the freedom to support the wingers while also allowing him to get into more central positions and get closer to goal.

Forwards – Dan James, Kieffer Moore, Sorba Thomas

Three solid players should make up Wales’ frontline.

Despite starting on the bench in the previous match, Moore could return to the starting XI against Denmark. Koumas put in a good shift against Portugal and had Wales’ best chance of the game, but Moore’s physical presence could give Bellamy another option up front.

Koumas could be better suited to coming off the bench in this one, particularly if the game is evenly poised late on. His pace and energy could cause problems for a tiring Danish defence, while Moore’s physicality could be useful from the start.

Leeds United attacker James could be a good option to start, having come on for David Brooks in the 62nd minute against Portugal. His pace gave Wales more of an attacking threat, and he could offer something different from the start against Denmark.

Thomas offers pace and the ability to get down the wing and deliver into the box. He came on for Jordan James against Portugal and showed that ability, beating his man before putting a ball into the box, although Wales lacked numbers in there.

He could be an option to start against Denmark.