SM
Brighton vs. Man City: 12 hrs 49 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
WN
International Friendlies
Mar 20, 2019 at 7.45pm UK
 
TA

1-0

Woodburn (92')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Ryan Giggs keen to "take the pressure off" Gareth Bale

:Headline: Ryan Giggs keen to 'take the pressure off' Gareth Bale: ID:353955: from db_amp
The Real Madrid forward completed his first 90 minutes of 2019 on Saturday.

Wales manager Ryan Giggs wants to take the pressure off Gareth Bale heading into the 2020 European Championship campaign.

Bale is just a few months short of his 30th birthday, but the Real Madrid striker remains Wales' main man ahead of Sunday's opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia in Cardiff.

Wales' record goalscorer completed his first 90 minutes of 2019 on Saturday and scored as Real beat Celta Vigo 2-0 in LaLiga.

"Usually when Gareth scores he goes on a run, so that's good for us," Giggs said ahead of the pre-Slovakia friendly with Trinidad & Tobago in Wrexham on Wednesday.

"We all know what a talent he is, and if he plays games he'll score goals.

"But also I want to take the pressure off him at the same time, so if he's not available we're not just reliant on one player."

Bale is unlikely to start the Trinidad & Tobago game, allowing Giggs to cast his eye over his young forwards with Sam Vokes and Tom Lawrence both ruled out by injury.

Arsenal playmaker Aaron Ramsey (thigh) and Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu (back) are also absent, although the former is expected to be fit for the Slovakia game.

"With the emergence of Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Dan James we've got so many attacking options," Giggs said.

"That's what I want. But you have to recognise that you've got a special player, one of the best in the world, and play to his strengths also.

"The Trinidad & Tobago game will be a balancing act as players are at different stages.

"Some players need games, some players don't. But I've challenged those that will play to impress because there are still places up for grabs on Sunday."

Ashley Williams will be wearing the captain's armband for Wales (Tim Goode/PA)

Veteran Ashley Williams is likely to captain Wales and win his 84th cap as the on-loan Stoke defender needs game-time.

Williams has not started for Stoke since the start of February, but two appearances for Wales this week will see him equal the 85-cap mark of Gary Speed and become his country's joint-third most capped player.

"To think I would get as many caps as Gary Speed when I won my first one was unthinkable," Williams said.

"It would be a massive achievement. To actually achieve that would be something I would be very proud of."

amp_article__353955 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-03-20 06:13:51:
html db last update - 2021-03-08 20:22:31 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Gareth Bale

Click here for more stories about Wales

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool34228475344174
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .