SM
Newcastle vs. West Ham: 12 hrs 45 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
WN
Nations League | League B
Sep 6, 2020 at 2pm UK
Cardiff City Stadium
BN

Wales
1 - 0
Bulgaria

Williams (90+4')
Smith (61'), Williams (86')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Kostadinov (43')

The main talking points ahead of Wales's clash with Bulgaria

:Headline: The main talking points ahead of Wales's clash with Bulgaria: ID:413046: from db_amp
Ryan Giggs' side have won their last three games and are unbeaten in seven.

Wales welcome Bulgaria to Cardiff on Sunday in their second Nations League game.

The Dragons are seeking to build on their opening-day 1-0 victory over Finland in Helsinki on Thursday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the game.

Young Dragons

Manager Ryan Giggs’ bold policy to promote youth has paid off with a greater depth to the Wales squad than ever before. Giggs has given 18 players their debuts since his appointment in January 2018, with Dylan Levitt and Neco Williams, both 19, and Ben Cabango, 20, the latest to earn their senior stripes. The versatile Ethan Ampadu, 19, shone at the back in Finland and will be a key performer for years to come.

Rusty Bale

It was no surprise that Gareth Bale showed signs of rust on his return to football. Bale barely featured for Real Madrid in Spanish football’s post-lockdown period as his relationship with Zinedine Zidane came under further strain. The Wales skipper played just 45 minutes in Helsinki with Bulgaria in mind, and two games in less than 72 hours is a big ask for the 31-year-old given his match fitness. Giggs might hope to get an hour out of his talisman.

Moore the merrier

Kieffer Moore (centre) celebrates after scoring a Nations League winner against Finland on Thursday (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)

This time last year Kieffer Moore was set for his Wales debut in a low-key friendly with Belarus. A year on and Moore is a cult hero with Wales fans and so integral to the way Giggs’ side play. At 6ft 5ins he has the size and ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play. But the Cardiff striker also has the mobility to run into channels and a nose for goal, with his Helsinki winner making him the first player to score in three consecutive Wales away games since Aaron Ramsey in 2013.

Well Dan

Manchester United winger Daniel James won plenty of plaudits for his performance in Helsinki. James was lively all night, setting up an early disallowed effort before breaking down the left and putting the late winner on a plate for Moore. James has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford in recent months, but he looks a far more confident player with Wales where he is deployed on his favourite left-side flank.

Tough calls

At this stage of the season it is a balancing act for international managers. Giggs has to maintain momentum – Wales have won three on the bounce and are seven unbeaten – while putting some fresh legs into the team given the quick turnaround of the Finland and Bulgaria games. Will Vaulks and Harry Wilson could be introduced, while Giggs might be tempted to give Liverpool full-back Williams his first international start. David Brooks is fit again after a long international absence.

amp_article__413046 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-10-20 12:28:51:
html db last update - 2020-10-20 12:28:51 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154
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.



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