Can Wales kickstart their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign against Slovakia?

Slovakia vs Wales - 10/10/2019

Euro Qualifiers | Preview

09/10/19

Can Wales kickstart their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign against Slovakia?

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Euro 2020 Group E rivals Slovakia and Wales will meet on Thursday night in Trnava with three massive points on the line.

This will be the second match between the two nations in Euro 2020 qualifying. Ryan Giggs’ Wales took the spoils in their last encounter with Manchester United forward Daniel James getting the game’s only goal.

Wales’ victory at the Cardiff City Stadium has been their only win in qualifying. Giggs has been unable to replicate the magic of Wales’ 2016 Euro qualifying tournament campaign. Wales have played the fewest games in the group (four) leaving them with 12 points still available to win.

If the Welsh can win the rest of their matches, they would finish atop Group E. However, their form doesn’t bode well for winning the group.

Slovakia are standing in Wales’ way and sit second in the group with nine points from 15 possible. Only Croatia have done better in the group. The World Cup 2018 runners-up have collected 10 of 15 points possible. Neither Slovakia nor Croatia are safe at the minute, and Wales could reel both in this week.

Giggs has several players out of form or injured. It was hoped Aaron Ramsey would be fit and ready to play. However, it was revealed on Monday that his fitness must be assessed. According to Ramsey’s club coach Maurizio Sarri, the midfielder didn’t play last weekend due to a possible abductor injury.

Meanwhile, James, who has been praised for his play at Manchester United, hasn’t scored a goal since the previous international break in any competition. The winger seems to have suddenly stalled at the club level.

Gareth Bale, who was the maestro behind Wales brilliant Euro 2016 run, has been up and down in his form at Real Madrid. Of all of his players, Giggs needs Bale to step up the most on Thursday in Slovakia. Giggs could also be without attacking player Tom Lawrence after he felt a muscle twinge in training.

Although Wales did pick up a 1-0 win against Slovakia earlier this year, they did so at home. James’ fifth minute goal stood up as Slovakia couldn’t breakdown a strong Wales defence. If there is one aspect of this Welsh team that is playing well, it is the defence.

First training of the week ✅

Cipolwg o’r sesiwn hyfforddi bore ‘ma 📸#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/snU5fIRIdW
— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) October 7, 2019

Wales have conceded just four goals in four matches. The attack, on the other hand, has scored just four times, the fewest number of goals in the group. Slovakia have tallied nine goals in five matches, but have conceded seven times.

Thursday night’s match looks set to finish in a low-scoring affair just like their last meeting. However, this time around, Slovakia and Wales will finish in a stalemate. The draw will damage Wales’ hopes of reaching the next stage of the competition.

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