KICK OFF: Sunday 15th November 2020, 17:00pm
Wales will be looking to keep hold of top spot in their UEFA Nations League group when they take on Republic of Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday.
Wales, who recorded a stalemate in their friendly with the United States midweek are top of League B Group Four with two rounds of fixtures to play, while Republic of Ireland will be aiming to put their friendly defeat with England behind them, but remain out of contention for promotion from the group.
Team News:
WALES:
Gareth Bale is set to be involved in the game with Republic of Ireland after being rested against the USA, but fellow key man Aaron Ramsey is not part of the squad yet again.
Kieffer Moore was brought into the starting line-up against USA in one of nine changes and was surprisingly given more than an hour.
The Cardiff City striker is Wales’ only recognised forward and assistant coach Rob Page – standing in for Ryan Giggs who decided to step down temporarily due to assualt allegations – will hope Moore is in full flow once the game kicks off.
With Wayne Hennessey and Adam Davies both nursing injuries, third choice keeper Danny Ward will continue in goal for the second game running.
IRELAND:
Seamus Coleman missed the England game with a hamstring problem, only adding to manager Stephen Kenny’s injury woes, as Enda Stevens is also absent.
John Egan suffered an injury blow against England also, and is unlikely to feature again for Ireland in these next two games.
The Boys in Green also lost Callum Robinson who tested positive for coronavirus, and now Alan Browne has also since tested positive.
Aaron Connolly is also a doubt, so Stephen Kenny will be expected to ring the changes once again in Cardiff.
Match Stats:
- The goalless draw against USA makes it just one defeat in 12 for Wales, with their only loss since June 2019 coming in the friendly defeat to England last month.
- Wales have only scored three times in their last six outings.
- Republic of Ireland are winless in seven games since victory over New Zealand 12 months ago.
- This will be the sixth meeting between these sides in the last three years. Wales have lost only one of those past encounters – albeit the biggest game of the lot in World Cup 2018 qualifying.
Likely Line-Ups:
WALES: D Ward; N Williams, C Mepham, J Rodon, B Davies; E Ampadu, M Smith; G Bale, D Brooks, D James; K Moore
IRELAND: D Randolph; M Doherty, D O’Shea, K Long, R Brady; J Molumby, C Hourihane, J Hendrick; R Curtis, A Idah, J McClean
Players to watch:
WALES: David Brooks
IRELAND: Adam Idah
Score Prediction: Wales 2-1 Republic of Ireland
