With all the furore that has surrounded Gareth Bale's record-breaking move to Real Madrid, many people may have forgotten that his nation, Wales, have a World Cup qualifier to play this Friday in Macedonia.

The latest Galactico has missed the majority of pre-season with a foot injury and despite having made a full recovery, he is not expected to start for Chris Coleman's side.

Joe Allen has also withdrawn from the squad, but Aaron Ramsey and Craig Bellamy have both been included and should feature from the beginning.

Meanwhile, hosting Macedonia will be captained by Napoli striker Goran Pandev, who is his country's leading goalscorer of all time.

Neither of these sides can qualify for the tournament in Brazil, but for Wales a victory could potentially move them up to third in Group A, while three points for the home side would left them off the bottom.

Recent form

Macedonia: WLLLLW

Wales: WLWWLD

Possible starting lineups

Macedonia: Pacovski; Noveski, Shikov, Georgievski, Ristovski; Gligorov, Stjepanovic, Ibraimi, Trickovski; Pandev, Jahovic

Wales: Hennessey; Gunter, Williams, Gabbidon, Davies; Robson-Kanu, Ramsey, Ledley, King, Crofts; Bellamy

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Liam Apicella

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