Wales Faces Portugal in Nations League A Opener

Wales head to Lisbon on Thursday, 24 September, walking straight into the fire for their opening Nations League A fixture against Portugal – and against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Craig Bellamy’s first big test as head coach comes with complications. Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow have all withdrawn through injury, stripping Wales of creativity, depth in attack and experience in goal. Highly rated young defender Dylan Lawlor is also missing, a further dent to Bellamy’s defensive options.

There is a lift, though. Captain Ben Davies is back and available, a steadying presence in a back line that will need every ounce of composure in Lisbon. Higher up the pitch, Bellamy has the option to roll the dice. Uncapped forwards Cian Ashford and Joe Taylor are both in the frame, fresh legs and fearless minds in a game where Wales will have to take risks at the right moments.

The assignment is clear and brutal: find a system, find an XI, and find a way to upset Ronaldo and a Portugal side stacked with talent.

If you were in Bellamy’s shoes, how would you do it? What formation cuts off the supply to Ronaldo without surrendering all attacking ambition? Which front line can hurt Portugal on the break?

Pick your shape. Choose your XI. Decide how Wales should line up in Lisbon – then back your selection and see who agrees with you.