Lightning won't strike twice in Cardiff
After a summer of watching everybody else perform on the international stage, Wales and Ireland get their first taste of competitive action for quite some time as they kick off proceedings in Group B4 of the inaugural UEFA Nations League.
Wales
Ryan Giggs was appointed manager of the country he represented 64 times back in January. But only now is he set to lead his side out on home soil in front of the Welsh faithful.
Three friendly matches has certainly helped the former Man. United assistant get used to life as a number one but there’s no question he and his side will be itching to get going in a meaningful game, made more significant for it was this very same fixture that saw Wales’ World Cup Qualification chances go up in smoke just under a year ago.
A sense of revenge will resonate around the Cardiff City Stadium
The manager can play it down however much he likes but a sense of revenge will resonate around the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday evening as Wales seek better fortune against a limited Ireland team, though that was what was said last time. I’m sure lightening won’t strike twice here though, especially with the hosts able to name a certain Gareth Bale in their starting XI.
The Real Madrid forward has scored in each game he has played so far and seems to be revelling being given added responsibility in a Ronaldo-less Madrid side. This is nothing new for Bale in the red of Wales though, the country’s all-time record goalscorer is often relied upon to produce the goods for his nation. Rarely does he fail to deliver.
Wales XI from:
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies
Defenders: Chris Gunter, Connor Roberts, James Chester, Ashley Williams, Chris Mepham, Tom Lockyer, Ben Davies, Paul Dummett, Ethan Ampadu
Midfielders: Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Aaron Ramsey, Andy King, Joe Ledley, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Tom Lawrence, Declan John
Forwards: Ben Woodburn, Gareth Bale, Sam Vokes, Tyler Roberts
Ireland
Martin O’Neill was rightly lauded for his tactics in ensuring it was Ireland and not Wales who secured a place in the World Cup play-offs last year, but it’s likely he’ll come unstuck on this occasion with a host of injuries leaving him short on numbers and most notably, quality in the ranks.
The scorer of the deciding goal back then, James McClean has pulled out of the squad and heads a list of other injured absentees which also includes Robbie Brady (ankle), James McCarthy, Shane Long (foot), Scott Hogan (groin) and Sean Maguire (hamstring).
Up against it before a ball is kicked
Meanwhile, three times capped Declan Rice is taking time out to decide if he’ll stick with Ireland, or switch allegiances to play for England, the country of his birth. To top matters for O’Neill, Harry Arter’s difference of opinion with assistant manager Roy Keane, has led to the Cardiff midfielder withdrawing from the squad at a time his experience is of great need.
It’s not all doom and gloom for the ‘Boys in Green’ with skipper Seamus Coleman firmly back in the fold but it’s fair to say this game couldn’t have come at a worse time and they’re set to be up against it before a ball is kicked in Cardiff.
Ireland XI from:
Goalkeepers: Colin Doyle, Sean McDermott, Darren Randolph
Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Cyrus Christie, Matt Doherty, Shane Duffy, Richard Keogh, Ciaran Clark, Kevin Long, Stephen Ward, John Egan, Enda Stevens
Midfielders: Alan Judge, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Hourihane, Alan Browne, Shaun Williams, David Meyler, Daryl Horgan, Callum O'Dowda,
Forwards: Jonathan Walters, Graham Burke, Callum Robinson, Aiden O'Brien
Match Tip
A big night for Wales then and Ryan Giggs in particular. He’s spoken of nerves in the build-up ahead of his first proper game as Wales boss. Yet, his side are clear favourites to avenge last year’s painful loss and get their UEFA Nations League campaign and his spell as manager off to the perfect start.
There’s a chance to almost double your money with William Hill who have Wales at 20/21 to prevail on the night.
