Wales vs Portugal: Navigating Challenges in Nations League A

Wales step into the deep end of Nations League A on Thursday, 24 September, opening their campaign against Portugal in Lisbon – and against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Craig Bellamy’s first big test as head coach comes with problems before a ball is kicked. Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow have all pulled out through injury, stripping Wales of creativity, depth in attack and experience in goal. Promising young defender Dylan Lawlor is also unavailable.

There is good news. Captain Ben Davies is back and ready, bringing authority and calm to a back line that will be stretched to its limits against Portugal’s firepower. Further up the pitch, Bellamy has fresh options: uncapped forwards Cian Ashford and Joe Taylor are in the frame, energetic, hungry and unscarred by previous meetings with elite opposition.

So the dilemma is clear. How do you build a side to withstand Ronaldo and a stacked Portugal attack, while still carrying enough threat to win the game?

Do you lean on Davies’ leadership and go with a solid back three, or trust a more aggressive front line with Ashford or Taylor thrown in from the start? Do you pack the midfield to choke Portugal’s rhythm, or gamble on pace in behind and try to catch them cold in Lisbon?

If you were Bellamy, what would you do?

Pick your formation. Choose your XI. Decide how Wales should line up to take on Ronaldo and company – then back your selection, and share it with your friends.