Wales play host to Gibraltar in an international friendly on Wednesday evening looking to build some momentum ahead of their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
At a time when the Dragons have struggled for victories, Gibraltar are currently on a six-match losing streak.
Match preview
© Reuters
Less than a year since competing at a World Cup, there has been some calls for Robert Page to depart his role as Wales boss with the team very much in transition on the back of Gareth Bale's retirement.
The 1-1 draw in Croatia back in March suggested that this group could continue to remain in the upper echelons of the international stage, yet the defeat at home to Armenia said otherwise.
Wales currently sit three points adrift of top spot in Group D, yet Page's side have only defeated Latvia and still have the teams above them left to play.
That schedule continues with a home showdown with Croatia on Sunday, with Wales realistically requiring all three points from a fixture where defeat would leave them on the brink of missing out on a minimum of a playoff spot.
In September, Wales earned a morale-boosting draw with South Korea in a friendly before defeating Latvia on away territory, yet this is a squad that is missing two of their key players.
© Reuters
From Gibraltar's perspective, being drawn with France, Netherlands, Greece and Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2024 qualifying group meant that they faced a battle to get a point on the board.
So far, that perception has proven to be accurate, Julio Cesar Ribas's team suffering five consecutive defeats, conceding 17 goals and failing to find the back of the net at the other end.
A 1-0 reverse in Malta last month represented disappointment and relief in equal measure, but Gibraltar will sense an opportunity against what is expected to be a weakened Welsh outfit.
That said, Gibraltar have only scored two goals on away territory in over two years, albeit in Norway and Bulgaria respectively.
Team News
© Reuters
With Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson already out of the Wales squad through injury, Page can ill-afford to take too many risks on his key players in this game.
Ben Davies may captain the side and Connor Roberts could stay at wing-back, while David Brooks could be handed a start in the final third.
However, the remainder of the side could be inexperienced, with Regan Poole and Owen Beck in line to make their debuts and Josh Sheehan possibly featuring in midfield if Jordan James is saved for the Croatia game.
Despite the home fixture with Republic of Ireland five days later, Cesar Ribas may go full-strength for this game in an effort to gain one of the most notable results in their history.
Jayce Olivero could deputise at right-back with Niels Hartman not part of the squad, but it is plausible that the remainder of the side may stay the same.
There is a scenario where Wycombe Wanderers forward Tjay De Barr could go up against club teammate Joe Low if the defender is handed his Wales debut.
Wales possible starting lineup:
A. Davies; Poole, Lockyer, B. Davies; Roberts, Sheehan, Levitt, Beck; Brooks, Broadhead; Bradshaw
Gibraltar possible starting lineup:
Coleing; Olivero, Britto, R. Chipolina, Mouelhi; Jolley, Sergeant; Ronan, Pozo, Walker; De Barr
We say: Wales 2-0 Gibraltar
With Page looking to find a balance with the players that he uses on Wednesday night, this game could be closer than many are anticipating. Nevertheless, we still expect Wales to post a much-needed win ahead of their showdown with Croatia.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
