Wales squad

[the other bob wilson]

With the players available I would start
Hennessy
Mepham Rodon Davies
Thomas Ampadu Allen N William
Ramsey
James Bale
I like Sorba Thomas
Good going forward and back and he keeps the ball well plus plenty of pace.
The one big advantage we have over Austria is more pace going forward but they have more technical players.
Ampadu and Allen will have to screen the back 3 well to stop Austria intricate passing.
Bale will start as we have no other focal point without Moore.
Plus Bale and Ramsey usually create chances for each other as they are on the same wavelength picking out each others runs.

I think I'd go for Roberts over Thomas, but I agree with three defenders who'd give the wing backs licence to get forward. I'd like to get Wilson into the side and the obvious way to do that would be to leave one of Bale or Ramsey out, but who is to say that one of these two exceptional players can't drag something out which will make the difference on the night?

Think it may well be Bale and Ramsey's last games for us if we lose though and maybe Joe Allen's as well.

[Wales-Bales]

I think I'd go for Roberts over Thomas, but I agree with three defenders who'd give the wing backs licence to get forward. I'd like to get Wilson into the side and the obvious way to do that would be to leave one of Bale or Ramsey out, but who is to say that one of these two exceptional players can't drag something out which will make the difference on the night?

Think it may well be Bale and Ramsey's last games for us if we lose though and maybe Joe Allen's as well.

I think Bale and Ramsey will both start and play as long as they can. I just noticed Mepham hasn't played since Feb 26, and hasn't even been on the bench for the last few games.

[the other bob wilson]

I think Bale and Ramsey will both start and play as long as they can. I just noticed Mepham hasn't played since Feb 26, and hasn't even been on the bench for the last few games.

If we're going to play three at the back, then there are three options I'd say - Mepham or Cabango starts (while I' take on board what you say about the first named, I think he is the more likely starter our of those two) or Ampadu drops into the back three.

About a month ago on the Elis James podcast, Danny Gabbidon and Iwan Roberts picked their sides to face Austria and they both had Joe Allen as a single sitting midfielder in front of what I'm pretty sure was a back three which included Ampadu. They figured that Ramsey could play a bit deeper and help Allen out if needed, but, whether it's because of his lack of game time at Rangers or not, there seems to be a feeling now that Ramsey could not manage such a role even with there being no "final" to follow a few days later.

The only real debate the two of them had was whether to include Wilson or Johnson from the start, otherwise there was a feeling that the team picked itself - if Ramsey could play something of a box to box role, then I'd be happy to see Ampadu drop back and replace Mepham, but I can't see Rambo being able to manage it.

[City123]

Be a huge ask to bring Cabango into this game, he's not really played competitively for Wales

[Rjk]

If we're going to play three at the back, then there are three options I'd say - Mepham or Cabango starts (while I' take on board what you say about the first named, I think he is the more likely starter our of those two) or Ampadu drops into the back three.

About a month ago on the Elis James podcast, Danny Gabbidon and Iwan Roberts picked their sides to face Austria and they both had Joe Allen as a single sitting midfielder in front of what I'm pretty sure was a back three which included Ampadu. They figured that Ramsey could play a bit deeper and help Allen out if needed, but, whether it's because of his lack of game time at Rangers or not, there seems to be a feeling now that Ramsey could not manage such a role even with there being no "final" to follow a few days later.

The only real debate the two of them had was whether to include Wilson or Johnson from the start, otherwise there was a feeling that the team picked itself - if Ramsey could play something of a box to box role, then I'd be happy to see Ampadu drop back and replace Mepham, but I can't see Rambo being able to manage it.

my big doubts are about Joe Allen at this level these days, unfortunately we don't really have anyone else

[Citizen's Nephew]

I'm not sure if this is meant to be a gotcha or not but I'm not saying it should be a fair playing field across the board, just that Lawrence should be in the conversation because of his form.

95% of our players need to prove a lot more than Bale does to get in the squad, and quite right too. His form doesn't matter, the fact that he's not been playing doesn't matter, he's done more than enough in his career to justify his selection. Loosely suggesting that there should be the same approach towards Gareth Bale and Rabbi Matondo/Tom Lawrence is ridiculous

I'm not quite sure why advocating an egalitarian approach to the selection of a starting eleven based on form is ridiculous.

[Wales-Bales]

If we're going to play three at the back, then there are three options I'd say - Mepham or Cabango starts (while I' take on board what you say about the first named, I think he is the more likely starter our of those two) or Ampadu drops into the back three.

About a month ago on the Elis James podcast, Danny Gabbidon and Iwan Roberts picked their sides to face Austria and they both had Joe Allen as a single sitting midfielder in front of what I'm pretty sure was a back three which included Ampadu. They figured that Ramsey could play a bit deeper and help Allen out if needed, but, whether it's because of his lack of game time at Rangers or not, there seems to be a feeling now that Ramsey could not manage such a role even with there being no "final" to follow a few days later.

The only real debate the two of them had was whether to include Wilson or Johnson from the start, otherwise there was a feeling that the team picked itself - if Ramsey could play something of a box to box role, then I'd be happy to see Ampadu drop back and replace Mepham, but I can't see Rambo being able to manage it.

Ramsey is more likely to score a goal than stop a goal, so I'd have the two wide players tracking back, and Ramsey playing behind Bale.

[delmbox]

I'm not quite sure why advocating an egalitarian approach to the selection of a starting eleven based on form is ridiculous.

It isn't in the case of say James Ward Prowse vs Kalvin Phillips or Harry Wilson vs Brennan Johnson.

But, in one of most important games in our history, when it comes to all time Welsh leading goalscorer, 4 x Champions League Winner, 2 x La Liga Winner, probably best Welsh player of all time Gareth Bale vs having one good season for a mid table team in the Belgian First Division Rabbi Matondo it is, even if Bale isn't match fit.

[Citizen's Nephew]

It isn't in the case of say James Ward Prowse vs Kalvin Phillips or Harry Wilson vs Brennan Johnson.

But, in one of most important games in our history, when it comes to all time Welsh leading goalscorer, 4 x Champions League Winner, 2 x La Liga Winner, probably best Welsh player of all time Gareth Bale vs having one good season for a mid table team in the Belgian First Division Rabbi Matondo it is, even if Bale isn't match fit.

A selection system is either egalitarian or it isn't. There can't be any tolerance for nepotism, favoritism, or unfairness. If a player isn't match fit, he shouldn't be playing.

[delmbox]

If a player isn't match fit, he shouldn't be playing.

Was Ramsey (MOTM) match fit against Turkey in the Euro's then? Or was he (MOTM) match fit when he scored two goals against Hungary to get us to those Euro's? Or was Ledley (barely healed broken leg) match fit during 2016? I think Bale and Ramsey have only been match fit for about 70% of their international careers.

Who's going to be our keeper? Who's replacing Joe Rodon? Who would you have had instead of Ampadu for about 20 of his 31 international caps? Looking forward to seeing Neco Williams making his debut on Thursday, first time he's been match fit. Shame that you're so strict on it otherwise he could have been MOTM in his last two games, including one against Belgium.

I usually really like your posts CN but I'm not sure what you've been smoking here

[Citizen's Nephew]

Was Ramsey (MOTM) match fit against Turkey in the Euro's then? Or was he (MOTM) match fit when he scored two goals against Hungary to get us to those Euro's? Or was Ledley (barely healed broken leg) match fit during 2016? I think Bale and Ramsey have only been match fit for about 70% of their international careers.

Who's going to be our keeper? Who's replacing Joe Rodon? Who would you have had instead of Ampadu for about 20 of his 31 international caps? Looking forward to seeing Neco Williams making his debut on Thursday, first time he's been match fit. Shame that you're so strict on it otherwise he could have been MOTM in his last two games, including one against Belgium.

I usually really like your posts CN but I'm not sure what you've been smoking here

Maybe it's an uncomfortable truth that players who are match fit being overlooked for players who aren't doesn't seem right or fair. Where's the incentive if form and fitness aren't criteria for international selection? Don't your examples just reinforce the unfairness? Just because they suit your narrative doesn't mean they were correct or fair decisions regardless of the outcome. Part of the reason I'm done with international football is that I think it's too sentimental. I think that happens in the selection process as well as the fanbase.

I was impressed with Southgate dropping Rashford recently. I know the matches aren't on a par with the importance of the Wales match but nevertheless, it was the kind of egalitarian selection I think is missing in a lot of international football management.

If you take Wales out of the argument and the examples of MOTMs that you have, the principle isn't right is it? It can't be, surely? I think international football has some of the worst cases of players being selected way passed their sell-by-dates. It's just my opinion and it's just about fairness. That's all.

[delmbox]

Maybe it's an uncomfortable truth that players who are match fit being overlooked for players who aren't doesn't seem right or fair. Where's the incentive if form and fitness aren't criteria for international selection? Don't your examples just reinforce the unfairness? Just because they suit your narrative doesn't mean they were correct or fair decisions regardless of the outcome. Part of the reason I'm done with international football is that I think it's too sentimental. I think that happens in the selection process as well as the fanbase.

I was impressed with Southgate dropping Rashford recently. I know the matches aren't on a par with the importance of the Wales match but nevertheless, it was the kind of egalitarian selection I think is missing in a lot of international football management.

If you take Wales out of the argument and the examples of MOTMs that you have, the principle isn't right is it? It can't be, surely? I think international football has some of the worst cases of players being selected way passed their sell-by-dates. It's just my opinion and it's just about fairness. That's all.

To be honest it's Wales in a playoff to reach the World Cup, I don't really care too much about fairness. It's elite sports, not primary school where everybody gets a go.

We haven't got many top top level players, pick the team that can be trusted to do the job, in some cases with a lot of teams that will be the players in form, in our case most often than not that means picking our best players whether match fit or otherwise. And our results will tell you that they rarely let us down.

Out of interest what is your 11 starting for Thursday, taking out Hennessey, Mepham, Rodon, Ramsey and Bale?

[Citizen's Nephew]

To be honest it's Wales in a playoff to reach the World Cup, I don't really care too much about fairness. It's elite sports, not primary school where everybody gets a go.

We haven't got many top top level players, pick the team that can be trusted to do the job, in some cases with a lot of teams that will be the players in form, in our case most often than not that means picking our best players whether match fit or otherwise. And our results will tell you that they rarely let us down.

Out of interest what is your 11 starting for Thursday, taking out Hennessey, Mepham, Rodon, Ramsey and Bale?

I don't know why what I've been saying has bothered you so much Delm but it's clearly touched a nerve so I'm sorry for that and don't feel we need to fall out over this stuff.

It doesn't matter what my starting eleven would be. City123 has already highlighted some players who have missed out that I agree with. I was also disappointed Isaak Davies didn't get a call-up. I don't want us to go to Qatar and can't support the WC anymore so perhaps that's the crux. I think it's important to debate things like fairness but there's no point carrying on if you don't.

For the record, I do know this isn't primary school and not everyone can have a go, but, when other posters have highlighted the apparent unfairness of some players being selected, I'm confused as to why I get singled out and you seem to have taken it personally? We normally have much healthier discussions than this so wires have got crossed somewhere.

[delmbox]

I don't know why what I've been saying has bothered you so much Delm but it's clearly touched a nerve so I'm sorry for that and don't feel we need to fall out over this stuff.

It doesn't matter what my starting eleven would be. City123 has already highlighted some players who have missed out that I agree with. I was also disappointed Isaak Davies didn't get a call-up. I don't want us to go to Qatar and can't support the WC anymore so perhaps that's the crux. I think it's important to debate things like fairness but there's no point carrying on if you don't.

For the record, I do know this isn't primary school and not everyone can have a go, but, when other posters have highlighted the apparent unfairness of some players being selected, I'm confused as to why I get singled out and you seem to have taken it personally? We normally have much healthier discussions than this so wires have got crossed somewhere.

We're not falling out! I thought this was just a spirited discussion

I think there's times when fairness can be applicable but I don't think a nation with our resources can play that game like some can because there's a bigger gaps between the talent levels we possess.

What it comes down to for me is do you trust an in form in the Belgian League Rabbi Matondo to perform against Austria, or do you trust a non match fit Gareth Bale? and I think it should be Gareth Bale. And I don't think Rabbi should be picked "just because that's fair" because if that were the case we wouldn't have had any of our recent success because a good chunk of our best players don't play regularly for their clubs

[Rjk]

We're not falling out! I thought this was just a spirited discussion

I think there's times when fairness can be applicable but I don't think a nation with our resources can play that game like some can because there's a bigger gaps between the talent levels we possess.

What it comes down to for me is do you trust an in form in the Belgian League Rabbi Matondo to perform against Austria, or do you trust a non match fit Gareth Bale? and I think it should be Gareth Bale. And I don't think Rabbi should be picked "just because that's fair" because if that were the case we wouldn't have had any of our recent success because a good chunk of our best players don't play regularly for their clubs

I don't think rabbi Matondo will be thinking there's any chance of him being picked ahead of Bale unless there's an injury

[Citizen's Nephew]

We're not falling out! I thought this was just a spirited discussion

I think there's times when fairness can be applicable but I don't think a nation with our resources can play that game like some can because there's a bigger gaps between the talent levels we possess.

What it comes down to for me is do you trust an in form in the Belgian League Rabbi Matondo to perform against Austria, or do you trust a non match fit Gareth Bale? and I think it should be Gareth Bale. And I don't think Rabbi should be picked "just because that's fair" because if that were the case we wouldn't have had any of our recent success because a good chunk of our best players don't play regularly for their clubs

I'm cool with that!

[Wales-Bales]

It may be a bit controversial, but you pick a team, not individual players

[delmbox]

I'm cool with that!

Oh f**k off CN







( )

[delmbox]

Latest:

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[Citizen's Nephew]

Oh f**k off CN







( )

[blue matt]

I don't think rabbi Matondo will be thinking there's any chance of him being picked ahead of Bale unless there's an injury

not a hope in hell

We are talking about Gareth Bale here, even at 50% match fit he would be on the team sheet

Saying that, I am sure Rabbi's time will come around soon enough

[BLUETIT]

not a hope in hell

We are talking about Gareth Bale here, even at 50% match fit he would be on the team sheet

Saying that, I am sure Rabbi's time will come around soon enough

Pick Johnson, the man in form

[Citizen's Nephew]

Pick Johnson, the man in form

I do like Brennan Johnson.

[Ivortheengine]

I’m told Ramsey got injured doing up his bootlaces !

[splott parker]

Bollocks, I was booking ringside in Beddau