Cymru v Latvia 28.03.23

[fiveattheback]

Mar 27, 2023 10:15:21 GMT talyfan said:

Think Dan would be much better off on the right hand side in all honesty.

Lacks a left foot, not particularly skillful enough to cut inside play it to the back post or curl one in but play him on the right he can use his exploits of beating a player 1v1 with his pace get to the by line and play a ball in.

Same with Harry Wilson in all honesty. Bar the speed part.

Trouble is you play Wilson and Neco on one flank and that's an easily exploited side

I think it's a little harsh on Wilson, he's at his most effective cutting inside onto his left foot and certainly is skillful enough to play as an inverted winger, though his lack of real pace means I think he's better off more centrally.  For me if we go with a back 4 looking to attack it ought to be Neco & James on the right and Johnson & Davies on the left (when fit obviously)

[jbt95]

Mar 27, 2023 11:18:30 GMT quetzal said:

Mar 27, 2023 11:12:04 GMT jbt95 said:

Based on?

Based on a packed stadium, overflowing with emotion. Get an early goal and the floodgates will open.

Really cannot see it with Page clearly playing the same XI again.

[rhys]

Mar 27, 2023 11:02:57 GMT quetzal said:

We’re going to slaughter Latvia. 4-0 I reckon,

I envy your optimism. My head is convinced it’s going to be a cagey affair and we’ll end up loosing.

[allezlesrouges]

Mar 27, 2023 12:16:55 GMT rhys said:

Mar 27, 2023 11:02:57 GMT quetzal said:

We’re going to slaughter Latvia. 4-0 I reckon,

I envy your optimism. My head is convinced it’s going to be a cagey affair and we’ll end up loosing.

Think it will be cagey, but I think we'll win 2-0

First goal approaching 60 mins, second one late on

[welshrover]

Mar 27, 2023 11:55:50 GMT fiveattheback said:

Mar 27, 2023 10:15:21 GMT talyfan said:

Think Dan would be much better off on the right hand side in all honesty.

Lacks a left foot, not particularly skillful enough to cut inside play it to the back post or curl one in but play him on the right he can use his exploits of beating a player 1v1 with his pace get to the by line and play a ball in.

Same with Harry Wilson in all honesty. Bar the speed part.

Trouble is you play Wilson and Neco on one flank and that's an easily exploited side

I think it's a little harsh on Wilson, he's at his most effective cutting inside onto his left foot and certainly is skillful enough to play as an inverted winger, though his lack of real pace means I think he's better off more centrally.  For me if we go with a back 4 looking to attack it ought to be Neco & James on the right and Johnson & Davies on the left (when fit obviously)

To be fair Harry's free kick in the first half would have made the keeper make a save at least if it hadn't flicked off the defender's head...and we never even got a corner!

[llyn]

Unfortunately I don't see this being as easy as on paper. These were the games that Chris Coleman found very difficult.

[manulike]

Mar 27, 2023 12:28:30 GMT llyn said:

Unfortunately I don't see this being as easy as on paper. These were the games that Chris Coleman found very difficult.

I agree.
We have a long history of doing great on the away leg (Chisnau, Tbilisi, Belgrade...) to then struggle at home!
I'd be over the moon with 1-0.

[dai]

As much as I would like us to play some decent football, and score a few goals, I think it's most likely going to be the same as your Bulgaria's, Estonia's, Georgia's etc.

I'm hoping we can win the game reasonably comfortable though, whether be it 1-0 or a higher scoreline.

Controversial, but I think we may go going a goal behind, shades of Andorra away.

[cymro]

Any win will do. Get the points on the board. 4 points with a slightly depleted team, and toughest game out the way, dream start.

[vvm]

A quick scan of Latvia results and doesn't look like they get battered too often. Being ranked 133 seems like it could potentially be a bit unfair but I guess the table doesn't lie. Their 2022 nations league looks like it went ok for them and they got promoted.

On paper we should be a lot better but I suspect this could be similar to the Estonia home game in the last campaign. In an ideal world I'd love us to boost the goal difference early doors but I'm more inclined to say any win will do.

[iot]

Mar 27, 2023 14:13:59 GMT vvm said:

A quick scan of Latvia results and doesn't look like they get battered too often. Being ranked 133 seems like it could potentially be a bit unfair but I guess the table doesn't lie. Their 2022 nations league looks like it went ok for them and they got promoted.

On paper we should be a lot better but I suspect this could be similar to the Estonia home game in the last campaign. In an ideal world I'd love us to boost the goal difference early doors but I'm more inclined to say any win will do.

Goal difference makes very little difference remember with head to head the next criterion after points. So any win will do should definitely be the mantra for this one!

[dragonsale]

Mar 26, 2023 13:34:57 GMT mrpicton79 said:

Mar 23, 2023 11:55:29 GMT cadno said:

Johnson is very good but won’t be spectacular IMO, I think Ferguson will reach a substantially higher level but obviously I’ll gladly be proven wrong …

You're just being a contrarian with comments like that.

Think we can agree Johnson's making an impact in a much stronger league this season. Also, take it for what it's worth but his value on Transfermrkt is more than 3 times higher than Ferguson's despite being 2 years younger.

How much of that Scottish lad have you actually seen play?

Edit: I see now you were talking about Evan Ferguson lol. We'll have to wait and see with him.

[hc16040]

I think its worth saying that the difference we have now is Kieffer Moore so teams cant just defend their box as we have one of the best arial threats in International Football

[surge]

Latvia manager seems quite confident. This doesn't mean anything, wrth gwrs, but could mean more Wales 2-1 Azerbaijan than Wales 4-1 Republic of Ireland. Any sort of win would be extremely positive.

Whatever happens, we need to stay with the team as we always do.

[jimexotic]

Tomorrow night is going to be tough, make no mistake about it, look at some of those scorelines tonight. 3 points is all that matters.

[cynonvalley]

Well, being sold out will help!

[jimexotic]

Mar 27, 2023 17:46:05 GMT hc16040 said:

I think its worth saying that the difference we have now is Kieffer Moore so teams cant just defend their box as we have one of the best arial threats in International Football

If we use those Roberts throws to good effect this could be a potential game changer. We need to get better at the ugly stuff, I know it's hard for Kieffer but as a collective the whole team needs to get better at the dark arts, not even dark arts, just the little things that can make a difference.

[jbt95]

Only a few single seats remain now, pretty much sold out!

[allezlesrouges]

Mar 27, 2023 17:46:05 GMT hc16040 said:

I think its worth saying that the difference we have now is Kieffer Moore so teams cant just defend their box as we have one of the best arial threats in International Football

My frustration is that we don't get down the line and cross into him. We seem to wait too much for the "perfect" moment to cross - which always seems to translate as when the opposition are the most set in their box somehow

I like the idea of early crosses for Kieffer to attack, high and low, and having multiple bodies in the box for this to put pressure on their clearances and if we do this well 50/50s in the box will result in chances

This is why it's useful to have at least one orthodox player on each flank as it enables a variety of angles for crosses, including breaks down the line. Tomorrow is certainly a game for Kieffer without a doubt. I can see him scoring personally as his last one was in September and it feels like he is due one

[rhys]

25 single seats left for a Tuesday night against Latvia. I never would have predicted this when we were facing crowds of under 10k for qualifiers a decade ago!

[njdragon]

Ward
Roberts--Mepham--Rodon--Nico
Amapadu--Morell
DJ Ramsey Sorba
Moore

[eppingblue1]

Mar 28, 2023 8:53:16 GMT rhys said:

25 single seats left for a Tuesday night against Latvia. I never would have predicted this when we were facing crowds of under 10k for qualifiers a decade ago!

20 years ago tomorrow 73,500 turned up to see us beat Azerbaijan 4 nil in Euro qualifier, so its not that remarkable, when we're on the up.

[allezlesrouges]

Okay final bash at a lineup bearing in mind Page's comment of "watch this space" when being asked if we can expect any more debutants

I'm wondering what that could mean given the only uncapped players left in the squad are L.Harris, Fox, Cullen, O.Cooper and Tom King

I think we can safely rule out plans to start King, and Cullen being left out of the squad in Split makes me think he's not likely either

I think Harris could well get a cameo in the game if conditions are right, but would be very surprised to see him start given he's not had any senior games of note for Fulham

That leaves Fox and Cooper. I could honestly see both start. Cooper could make up a more attacking midfield 3 if he were to come in for Morrell. Neco's poor defensive performance could see him make way. Anyway those are the considerations here's what I would do, and what I think Page will do...

My XI;
Ward
Meps-Rodon-Fox
Connor-Ampadu-Rambo-DJ
Cooper
Moore-Bradshaw

Page prediction;
Ward
Connor-Meps-Rodon-Fox
Ampadu-Morrell
Wilson-Ramsey-DJ
Moore

[cadno]

I’d go with the same line up as the other day, with Ollie Cooper coming on for DJ and Bradshaw for Moore.

I like the idea of Moore and Bradshaw up top together and Cooper behind though!

[njdragon]

Mar 28, 2023 10:12:51 GMT allezlesrouges said:

Okay final bash at a lineup bearing in mind Page's comment of "watch this space" when being asked if we can expect any more debutants

I'm wondering what that could mean given the only uncapped players left in the squad are L.Harris, Fox, Cullen, O.Cooper and Tom King

I think we can safely rule out plans to start King, and Cullen being left out of the squad in Split makes me think he's not likely either

I think Harris could well get a cameo in the game if conditions are right, but would be very surprised to see him start given he's not had any senior games of note for Fulham

That leaves Fox and Cooper. I could honestly see both start. Cooper could make up a more attacking midfield 3 if he were to come in for Morrell. Neco's poor defensive performance could see him make way. Anyway those are the considerations here's what I would do, and what I think Page will do...

My XI;
Ward
Meps-Rodon-Fox
Connor-Ampadu-Rambo-DJ
Cooper
Moore-Bradshaw

Page prediction;
Ward
Connor-Meps-Rodon-Fox
Ampadu-Morrell
Wilson-Ramsey-DJ
Moore

i Just can't see page dropping neco - he's played well for us and page isn't going to kill his confidence.

He's more likely to give him some help such as sticking sorba infront of him IMO

or shifting to a back 5

[manulike]

Sounds like our Gareth is going to be there tonight - a farewell to a legend.
I hope this is a masterstroke from the FAW to get the crowds out for Gareth, knowing how difficult these games (especially home after a taxing away) can be.

I have a feeling that we will struggle tonight - so I'd love Bale to be on the PA system DURING the game and for him to whip up support. The PA system in Split was a massive crowd motivator. The Irish use it well in their home games as well. We need to learn how to whip up a full house at home!

[gimli]

I don't think Neco should be dropped either. This is a game in which we'll likely dominate possession and hopefully won't be troubled too much defensively. We just have to win, so we need as many attacking threats on the pitch as possible, and Neco when he's on form has gamechanging ability for us. It would be negative and uninspiring to replace him with Fox.

I'd like to see this:

Ward

Mepham        Rodon        Ampadu

Roberts          Morrell            Ramsey        Neco

Wilson

      Kieffer                Broadhead

Allowing Ampadu to step up into midfield when we're in possession, sort of making a midfield diamond. I think Wilson should start for his set piece delivery and threat from free kicks. We need as many possible match-winners on as possible. Broadhead I think deserves to start after his heroics, but I'd also be ok with Bradshaw instead. My only concern would be a lack of pace, but DJ is the only option for that, and he unfortunely just doesn't offer any attacking threat these days so I'd leave him out.

[allezlesrouges]

Mar 28, 2023 12:05:50 GMT gimli said:

I don't think Neco should be dropped either. This is a game in which we'll likely dominate possession and hopefully won't be troubled too much defensively. We just have to win, so we need as many attacking threats on the pitch as possible, and Neco when he's on form has gamechanging ability for us. It would be negative and uninspiring to replace him with Fox.

I'd like to see this:

Ward

Mepham        Rodon        Ampadu

Roberts          Morrell            Ramsey        Neco

Wilson

      Kieffer                Broadhead

Allowing Ampadu to step up into midfield when we're in possession, sort of making a midfield diamond. I think Wilson should start for his set piece delivery and threat from free kicks. We need as many possible match-winners on as possible. Broadhead I think deserves to start after his heroics, but I'd also be ok with Bradshaw instead. My only concern would be a lack of pace, but DJ is the only option for that, and he unfortunely just doesn't offer any attacking threat these days so I'd leave him out.

I like that lineup but I think Ramsey and Wilson in midfield just didn't work at the World Cup and I'm reluctant to go with that again

[njdragon]

Mar 28, 2023 12:05:50 GMT gimli said:

I don't think Neco should be dropped either. This is a game in which we'll likely dominate possession and hopefully won't be troubled too much defensively. We just have to win, so we need as many attacking threats on the pitch as possible, and Neco when he's on form has gamechanging ability for us. It would be negative and uninspiring to replace him with Fox.

I'd like to see this:

Ward

Mepham        Rodon        Ampadu

Roberts          Morrell            Ramsey        Neco

Wilson

      Kieffer                Broadhead

Allowing Ampadu to step up into midfield when we're in possession, sort of making a midfield diamond. I think Wilson should start for his set piece delivery and threat from free kicks. We need as many possible match-winners on as possible. Broadhead I think deserves to start after his heroics, but I'd also be ok with Bradshaw instead. My only concern would be a lack of pace, but DJ is the only option for that, and he unfortunely just doesn't offer any attacking threat these days so I'd leave him out.

Can ampadu play left side of a back 3? I like the line up but worried our midfield is too light without him.

We always seems to get exposed in midfield

I would like to see sorba and dan james either side of moore too.

---------- Ward-----------
Roberts-mepham-rodon-neco
Morell- Ramsey - ampadu
James-moore-sorba

[gimli]

Mar 28, 2023 12:22:53 GMT allezlesrouges said:

Mar 28, 2023 12:05:50 GMT gimli said:

I like that lineup but I think Ramsey and Wilson in midfield just didn't work at the World Cup and I'm reluctant to go with that again

Fair point. But in the past when it's failed it's been because they've both been playing as 8s and both ended up too far up the pitch leaving Ampadu alone in midfield. I'd like to see Ramsey play deep in a midfield two, basically playing the Allen role. I believe that's where he's been playing for Nice? That way Wilson can play as the 10, where he's best imo.