Wales are set to face Montenegro in the Nations League match in Cardiff on Monday night after drawing 2-2 in Iceland on Friday, maintaining their unbeaten start in the competition under Craig Bellamy.
One of the main talking points surrounding the Group B4 fixture at Cardiff City Stadium is the absence of Brennan Johnson, who is serving a one-match ban after receiving his second Nations League booking in Reykjavik. Johnson had been in impressive form, scoring in his seventh successive game before being substituted at half-time as a precaution.
The Welsh team has been experiencing a pattern of strong starts and first-half performances followed by a drop-off in intensity in the second period in their games under Bellamy. This trend, coupled with injuries to key midfielders like Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu, as well as Jordan James’ suspension, raises concerns about sustaining the energy needed to play Bellamy’s high-tempo style of football.
Montenegro’s striker Milutin Osmajic will be absent from the Cardiff clash due to suspension after receiving a second Nations League booking for his actions in the recent match against Turkey.
With Turkey leading the group with seven points, Wales on five, and Iceland on four, a victory against bottom-placed Montenegro, who are yet to secure a point, would be crucial for Wales in their bid to secure a second-place finish in the group and a spot in the promotion play-offs next March.
The Welsh side will need to address their midfield worries and ensure they maintain their energy levels throughout the game to secure a victory over Montenegro and continue their successful run in the Nations League under Bellamy.