World Cup qualifier: Wales v Macedonia match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s World Cup qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium

Aaron Ramsey will lead the line for Wales against Macedonia (GETTY IMAGES)

Wales have some good news for their fixture against Macedonia with Aaron Ramsey passed fit after recovering from a dead leg.

National manager Chris Coleman has been struggling to assemble a squad with 10 players withdrawing from the original party, which has seen 16-year-old Liverpool midfielder Harry Wilson promoted after impressing in the Wales Under-17s.

National manager Chris Coleman has been struggling to assemble a squad with 10 players withdrawing from the original party, which has seen 16-year-old Liverpool midfielder Harry Wilson promoted after impressing in the Wales Under-17s.

Ramsey is likely to be instilled as captain with regular Ashley Williams succumbing to an ankle injury. Coleman has also put his personal differences aside with West Ham defender James Collins, who is back in the squad after a disagreement last month revolving Collins’ commitment.

The Dragons need a positive result after a dismal qualifying campaign which sees them rooted to the bottom of Group A; one point behind their opponents Macedonia. Ramsey, who had been captain under Gary Speed’s helm, will be looking to continue his fine start to the season, especially in the absence of Gareth Bale.

KICK-OFF:Friday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Macedonia 2 (Trickovski, Trajkovski) Wales 1 (Ramsey), World Cup, qualifying phase, September 2013

STATS…

Both Wales and Macedonia have lost three times in their past five games.

Only Neville Southall and Gary Speed have played more times than Craig Bellamy, who’s represented The Dragons on 76 occasions.

Macedonia has a Barcelona player amongst their ranks. David Babunski currently plays in the Spanish Second Division with Barcelona B. His young brother is on the books of Real Madrid.

Goran Pandev is the only Macedonia player in their squad who has reached double figures in International goals.

ODDS…

Wales to win: 2.3

Macedonia to win: 3.0

Draw: 3.25

TV:Live on Sky Sports 3 at 7.45pm, highlights on Sky Sports 1 at 00.45am.