12.11. (Sat) 16:00 Wales - Norway

PROBABLE LINEUPS

WALES Hennessey Gunter, Williams, Blake, Taylor Crofts, Allen, Ramsey, Bale Morison, Bellamy

NORWAY Jarstein Hogli, Demidov, Hangeland, J. Riise Braaten, Grindheim, Brenne, Pedersen Carew, Huseklepp

Gary Speed’s plans have been disrupted by a number of late withdrawals from the Wales squad. Jack Collison recently joined a long list of high-profile casualties, including James Collins, Danny Collins, David Vaughan and Boaz Myhill. There are no fresh injury worries for Egil Olson’s men, as he names a squad with a distinct English flavour to it, with no less than six members plying their trade in the English leagues. The evergreen, 32-year-old John Carew looks set to lead the line for his country.

DID YOU KNOW?

• This will be the eleventh meeting of the two sides. Norway have had the better of the previous clashes, winning four and losing two.

• However, Wales came out on top when the two sides last met, in Cardiff in 2008, running out comfortable 3-0 winners thanks to Carl Fletcher’s first and only goal for his country, and a brace from Jason Koumas.

• Wales are in fine form themselves, having lost just one of their last four matches; that defeat coming in a spirited performance at Wembley.

• Fulham full-back John Arne Riise is expected to win his 100th cap for his country. He will subsequently become Norway’s joint 2nd most capped player, along with Thorbjorn Svenssen, only Henning Berg has been capped more times.

• Wales have not managed three consecutive victories since May 2008, a win against Norway would be their third win in a row, off the back off victories against Switzerland and Bulgaria.

• Only goal difference stood in the way of Norway and a Euro 2012 play-off spot, losing out to Portugal after both sides finished on 16 points.

• Wales have not played out a goalless draw for over four years, a run stretching back over 35 matches, their last being against Germany in November 2007.

• Norway have won four of their last five matches, their one loss coming against rivals Denmark.

• Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey scored all but one of Wales’ goals in their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Steve Morison contributing the other.

Prediction

Both sides are vastly improving game after game. Gary Speed appears to be opting for youth over experience of late, with 16 of his original 26 man squad being under the age of 25. The lack of experience in the team may well cost him so an away win could be on the cards

Editor's Prediction

Wales 1-2 Norway