By Harvey Toozer
Wales host North Macedonia on Tuesday night in a clash which will define the chances of qualification for the World Cup for both sides.
If Wales win they qualify for the play-offs with a likely home semi-final, but the same prize is at stake for the visitors who know a draw would be enough.
Wales secured the obligatory win against Liechtenstein on Saturday evening.
The 1-0 win was a close affair in terms of the scoreline but not necessarily the respective performances. Wales dominated possession but struggled to convert that possession and territory.
North Macedonia had their own struggles however. A 0-0 friendly result against Latvia was the third successive draw for Blagoja Milevski’s men.
Players to watch
Craig Bellamy’s men will look for a talisman on a night like this. The Gareth Bale era is over, but Harry Wilson is the man who must fill Bale’s shoes – or at least get closest to doing so.
Fulham’s Wilson has already proved to be a spearhead figure for the Welsh attack, but the captain’s armband could spur him on even more. This has the potential to be a legacy-defining game for Wilson in the capital.
Meanwhile, on-loan Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas could prove to be a vital component in Milevski’s side. His ability to keep things ticking in midfield will be pivotal to any success North Macedonia have in dealing with the hostile Welsh atmosphere.
Elmas didn’t start in the game against Latvia, but his quality will surely warrant him a start at the Cardiff City Stadium.
It’s also hard to imagine a bigger game in the career of Cardiff City defender Dylan Lawlor.
The Bluebirds man played the full 90 minutes against Liechtenstein and looked impressive but the pressure will be on him from the get-go against North Macedonia.
Wales have something of a defensive crisis at the moment so Bellamy has been forced to rely on the 19 year-old. Lawlor has repaid the manager’s faith so far, but the final qualifier will be the true litmus test.
Verdict
My heart says a 2–1 win for Wales.
It will be by no means a straightforward victory for Bellamy’s men but the atmosphere created by the Red Wall will carry the hosts through.
This will be a closely-fought affair between two sides of similar standing, despite their 31-place difference (in favour of Wales) in the FIFA rankings.
Expect a hard-working performance from the hosts with gritty tackles, moments to get you off your seats and an emotional final 15 minutes.
Predicted starting line-ups
Wales: Darlow, Williams, Rodon, Lawlor, Dasilva, Sheehan, Cullen, Thomas, Brooks, Wilson, Johnson.
North Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Ilievski, Stojchevski, Serafimov, Ashkovski, Bardhi, Alimi, Elmas, Churlinov, Ristovoski, Rastoder.