Craig Bellamy's Wales squad faces a significant test when they travel to Lisbon on Thursday, 24 September for their opening UEFA Nations League A fixture against Portugal. The match presents an opportunity for readers to step into the manager's shoes and select their own starting formation and team to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates.
Bellamy's preparation has been complicated by injury withdrawals affecting key personnel. Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow have all been ruled out, with goalkeeper David Cornell and forward Joe Taylor among those called in as replacements. Defender Dylan Lawlor is also unavailable for selection.
The Wales manager does have some positive news regarding squad availability. Captain Ben Davies returns to the fold after previous absence, providing experience in defence. Uncapped options Cian Ashford and Joe Taylor offer attacking alternatives as Bellamy considers his forward line options.
What formation would you choose?
The interactive selection tool invites supporters to construct their preferred XI, choosing both the tactical formation and individual players they believe offer the best chance of securing a positive result in the Portuguese capital. This engagement allows fans to consider the tactical challenges posed by Portugal's attacking threat while balancing defensive solidity.
The fixture carries broader significance for Bellamy's tenure. The manager recently chose to remain in his Wales role after considering the Burnley position, and success in upcoming Nations League matches will be crucial to restoring supporter confidence. Additionally, Wales must build momentum following their penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina as they target Euro 2028 qualification.
Match details and broadcast information
The Nations League encounter kicks off at 19:45 BST on Thursday, 24 September. Supporters can follow the action through multiple broadcast outlets and platforms, with live coverage and commentary available throughout the evening.
After constructing your preferred team selection, you can share your XI with friends and compare tactical approaches to the fixture.
