Wales will begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Portugal on Thursday at Estádio José Alvalade.
Craig Bellamy’s side have managed only one win in their last five matches and need an improved performance to begin their Nations League campaign positively. The Dragons produced an outstanding display in a 7-1 victory over North Macedonia late last year, but their results have been less convincing since then.
Wales have drawn three of their previous four matches, including matches against Ghana and Northern Ireland. Their latest official fixture ended in disappointment, with Romania recording a 2-1 victory in June.
Wales team news
The Welsh manager is dealing with an extensive injury list that has removed several important players from contention.
Influential midfielder Harry Wilson is unavailable, while Wrexham forward Nathan Broadhead is also missing.
Wales have suffered particularly badly in defence, with Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor ruled out. Rubin Colwill and reserve goalkeeper Karl Darlow are unavailable as well, further reducing Bellamy’s options.
The number of absences has forced Wales to make late additions to the squad, with David Cornell, Joe Taylor and Charlie Savage receiving call-ups.
Danny Ward is expected to start in goal, while Nortington-Davies will join the defensive line. He is likely to be joined by Jay Dasilva and Ben Cabango as Wales attempt to cope with Portugal’s attacking threat.
Ethan Ampadu is expected to provide stability in central midfield and will have an important role in breaking up Portugal’s attacks and helping Wales move the ball forward.
At the other end of the pitch, Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson is the leading candidate to start as the lone striker; he is the likely preferred option ahead of Kieffer Moore.
Wales predicted lineup
Possible Wales starting XI: Ward; N Williams, Cabango, Norrington-Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, J James; Brooks, Thomas, Johnson; D James
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Thursday, 24th September.
How to watch Portugal vs Wales?
UK fans can watch the match live on BBC Two, while BBC One Wales will also broadcast the fixture for audiences in Wales.
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