Can Wales gain an all important win?

In Wales’ last match they came up against Andorra. Playing a side whose top ever goalscorer was a centre-back, perhaps this game should have been easier than it transpired to be writes Tomos Knox.

The final score was 2-1, with- you guessed it- Gareth Bale scoring a brace for the Red Dragons. They were extremely poor, and, although they were playing on a 3G pitch, widely- and correctly- regarded as being awful playing surfaces, there can be no denying that this game should have been a far more one-sided affair.

Wales are coming up against a very good side in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Boasting the likes of Edin Dzeko and Asmir Begovic, this match will be no walkover. Having been humiliated at the World Cup in Brazil, the Eastern Europeans will be determined to hit back in spectacular fashion. Vedad Ibišević, currently playing Germany for Stuttgart will undoubtedly be a key figure in the match, the talismanic striker has a staggering 20 international goals to his name, and so too will Dzeko, whose goal-tally currently rests at a formidable 37! It is likely that Wales manager Chris Coleman will, yet again, select a 5-man defence in an attempt to subdue the effects of this dynamic attacking partnership: expect to see Ashley Williams, James Collins and James Chester playing as centre-backs, with Wayne Hennessey in goal.

Joe Ledley will be of vital importance to Wales- his incredible stamina and persistence will be an enormous asset to a side already missing Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey. He is likely to play in a 4-man midfield, consisting of himself, Emyr Huws, Hal Robson-Kanu and Gareth Bale, although the latter may be given more of a free role. The lone striker will most likely be Simon Church, because, although he has netted just twice in 27 appearances for the Reds, his energetic attitude makes him a worrying presence for the Bosnians.

It will be a close contest, and Bosnia and Herzegovina most certainly do have a point to prove. Wales, who have not qualified for a major tournament since 1958, will be hoping that their victory over Andorra can motivate the players, and seal an all-important victory. However- it will take more than just motivation to clinch a victory against a team of Bosnia’s calibre.