The maths should be fairly simple with this, we need to win both games to qualify for the Euros. If we don't then we'll need to win two play off games against harder opposition. Just starting this thread as Joe Rodon is now out until January, so will miss both of these games which is huge. Chris Mepham is now fit and is likely to take his place. David Brooks and Aaron Ramsey both still doubts having yet to feature for their clubs since their injuries.
Aaron Ramsey played half an hour off the bench for Juve yesterday, so looks like he'll be fit for the games which would be a massive boost. We're weak in midfield anyway, but Joe Allen's suspended for Azerbaijan as well. Yeah he's been doing decent, certainly better than Hazard but I think he's had enough of Madrid and their support.
Ramsey makes the squad, and started for Juventus last night in the Champions League. Chris Mepham is back in the squad, so takes the place of Joe Rodon. David Brooks didn't get his fitness back in time which is a shame. In terms of the squad, I wouldn't pick Tom Lawrence for obvious reasons although Ryan Giggs is in no position to question anyone else's morality. I would question what Regan Poole is doing there, because he's not nearly our best young centre back. Other than that though it sort of picks itself. For the starting XI I would pick this, bearing in mind that Joe Allen is suspended: Ward Roberts - Mepham - Williams (C) - Davies Ampadu - Morrell Bale - Ramsey - James Matondo This is the sort of games for Ash's experience over Lockyer. Mepham hasn't played much for Bournemouth but has been fit. I'd go with Rabbi Matondo up top leading the line over Kieffer Moore, he's a far better player playing at a much higher standard, but Giggs will definitely go with Moore. Matondo's been effective away from home for Schalke leading the line and I think he could be our answer there. Moore's scored 1 goal this season for Wigan, from the spot, because he's not very good and not of international calibre. I'd go with Ramsey as the number ten because I think we've really struggled to get a foothold in a lot of games and keep the ball. We're definitely good enough to do that against Azerbaijan but I'm not confident we will. If we need more of an attacking threat then we've got Harry Wilson off the bench to bring on for Ampadu to go more offensive. Must win game, nervous for it already. Usually would be fairly confident of winning against Azerbaijan, but we've not been playing well at all under Giggs. Would be devasting to throw away such a good opportunity to reach a major tournament.
Have to say the build-up to this round of internationals has been pretty grim with most of our players.. not playing at all.
It's probably about half the team, not ideal. There are some positives though, Ash is back playing regularly, Ben Davies is playing for Spurs, Ramsey's fit and Rabbi's playing regularly at a high level.
Well early on but it seems Bale has been injured but now back for Wales which has raised some eyebrows in Spain ..
According to Zidane, he wasn't injured, but just wasn't up to match fitness. Either way they can do one, of course Bale's not bothered to play for them, why would he be? If they'd have shown him any level of support then things might be different. They can chat what they want online or in the papers, but they should be looking to the Red Wall for a bit of advice of how to get a player wanting to run through brick walls for you. Viva Gareth Bale
Well he's travelled to Azerbaijan, and reports are that he's going to start. He'll have it in him to play ninety minutes I reckon against these if needed.
Last time out he'd been playing regularly for Real Madrid, and was definitely match fit. I'm not sure you'll see the best out anyone under Giggs, but he got the vital goal against Croatia, won the Man of the Match and you'd back him to do the same away to Azerbaijan.
Play-offs safety net already secured via The Nations League and 2 wins needed in these final qualifying games. Hopefully all the encouragement needed to go all out in these two.
Could have really done with Ash's leadership in a game like this, especially with him back playing regular football. Not sure why Ramsey isn't playing, this is an absolutely must win game, and without Joe Allen for this game anyway and us badly struggling in that area of the pitch generally we really now need Joe Morrell and Ethan Ampadu to step up in a huge game.
