Wednesday night throws up a traditional Celtic clash as Wales and Scotland go head-to head in the Carling Nations Cup in what should be an open and exciting contest (Wales 23/10, draw 23/10, Scotland 6/5 – match prices).
But after a long hard season for many players, there are a number of causalities who will not be able to take the field at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley is a doubt for the Scots after he took a knock on the hip whilst playing for the Black Cats in their 3-0 victory over West Ham United last weekend.
The 25-year-old has only earned three caps for the Scots but has become a key member of the defence under manager Craig Levein because of his attacking and defensive abilities.
Scotland will be hoping the full-back will feature in the starting XI, although there will be no hope for attacking threats Kris Commons and Craig Mickail-Smith.
Commons has been ruled out of this game with tight hamstrings and is also a doubt for Scotland’s game against Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
The former Derby star has been a revelation since he moved north of the border with Celtic and has developed into a key player for the national side.
As for Mickail-Smith he will be absent due to his club side Peterborough reaching the play-off final to face Huddersfield on Sunday.
Scotland will be relying on the likes of Rangers striker Steven Naismith, Bursaspor’s Kenny Miller (5/1 to be first goalscorer) and Leeds United’s Ross McCormack for their goals.
The Scots have a number of talented players coming onto the international stage in the midfield with Charlie Adam, Barry Bannan and James Morrison, although the tireless skipper Darren Fletcher will be with Manchester United ahead of their Champions League clash this weekend.
As for Wales they have named Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw as their captain for Wednesday’s game.
The talented goalscorer takes the armband from Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey who is one of a number of Premier League players being rested by Gary Speed for the game.
Wales have injury problems of their own, as Aston Villa defender James Collins and Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley are both sidelined.
Experienced international Craig Bellamy is also unlikely to feature, which leaves Wales lacking some firepower upfront.
As well as having the responsibility of the captaincy, Earnshaw (7/1 – first goalscorer) will have to have one of his best games at this level if Wales are to get anything out of this clash.
Speed’s side were comfortably beaten in the opening game of the Nations Cup 3-0 by Republic of Ireland and it would not be surprising to see a similar scoreline against the Scots, who have a bit more quality in key areas of the field.
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