Wales are taking on Montenegro in their second match of the new Nations League campaign tonight, looking to build on an encouraging performance last time out which saw new manager Craig Bellamy deploy front-foot tactics with a high press.
Bellamy’s first match in charge was a 0-0 result against Turkey in Cardiff, and Wales are now looking to pick up three points against a Montenegro side that they will feel they are the favourites against.
Plenty of news in the build-up to the match has revolved around the playing conditions in Montenegro, with the venue moved from the capital to the nearby city of Niksic due to the poor state of the pitch at the Podgorica National Stadium. But Bellamy is more focused on building on a solid opening display with his new-look Welsh side.
Follow all the action from Montenegro v Wales in the Nations League below.
Montenegro v Wales LIVE
Team news
17:45 , Lawrence Ostlere
Wales have no new injury concerns after the draw against Turkey, with Craig Bellamy able to choose from a full squad despite a fractious match in Cardiff.
Skipper Aaron Ramsey returned to the squad after a year marked by injuries, and he can expect to keep a starting place, though he may be moved back into midfield after starting in the number nine position last week.
Sorba Thomas, who scored a disallowed goal in Cardiff, likely did enough to keep his place, with Brennan Johnson likely to keep a starting berth in the absence of Dan James.
The back four should stay the same after an assured performance last time out, while Wilson and Ampadu remain stalwarts in the Welsh midfield.
For Montenegro, head coach Robert Prosinečki has no fresh injury concerns either, and will likely name a similar team to that which lost 2-0 against Iceland last time out.
Former Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic, once the team’s talisman, was demoted to a role from the bench last time out, but came on as a substitute. He could start upfront after an ineffective performance from Nikola Krstović.
Lazio winger Adam Marušić will likely keep his place, as will Preston North End winger Milutin Osmajić.
Montenegro v Wales LIVE
17:38 , Lawrence Ostlere
Craig Bellamy’s Wales side travel to Montenegro on Monday for their second match in the Nations League, looking to grab a first win of the campaign after an encouraging draw against Turkey last week.
Wales drew 0-0 at home to Turkey, but were the better side throughout, and will travel to Montenegro knowing that they are the favourites.
Much of the build-up to the match has been dominated by the conditions of the pitch in the Podgorica, with Uefa deeming the turf unplayable and the match then being moved to Niksic.
But since last week’s result in Bellamy’s first match in charge, attention has suddenly turned to a more positive outlook on a side that struggled to a draw against Gibraltar as recently as June.
Tonight’s match will give Wales fans a better idea of whether Bellamy could be the real deal.
Montenegro v Wales LIVE
17:30 , Chris Wilson
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s match between Wales and Montenegro in Niksic.
Craig Bellamy takes charge of just his second match for Wales, with his side looking to build on a positive first result in their new Nations League campaign.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, updates and more here.
