Wales v Iceland LIVE: Nations League updates as Wales win automatic promotion

Iceland no pushover

Iceland might have struggled to hit the same heights since beating England to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

But Age Hareide’s side are certainly no lightweights and shook England again by beating them 1-0 in a Wembley friendly in June.

Iceland defeated Montenegro twice in this Nations League campaign and were unfortunate not to beat Wales in Reykjavik after recovering from a 2-0 interval deficit and draw with a stirring second-half performance.

Allen to start?

Joe Allen came out of international retirement in October to help close out a 1-0 win over Montenegro with a valuable contribution from the bench.

Allen did not feature at all in Turkey with Bellamy having the Iceland game possibly in mind for the midfield veteran.

The 34-year-old has struggled for fitness this season, but has started twice for Swansea in the Sky Bet Championship since that Montenegro victory.

Fresh legs needed

Wales boss Bellamy has not been afraid to make changes for the second game of a Nations League double-header with such a quick turnaround between matches.

Bellamy made five alterations after September’s opener against Turkey,  another seven following October’s trip to Iceland for the return game with Montenegro.

Wales used up considerable energy holding Turkey to a goalless draw in Kayseri on Saturday – and freshening up the side may almost be as much out of necessity as choice.

Karl Darlow dodged lighters thrown towards him and “white noise” at the ear-splitting Kadir Has Stadium to help Wales secure a battling Nations League draw in Turkey.

Wales spent large periods of the clash under the cosh, but Darlow’s steady handling and shot-saving ability ensured the tie finished 0-0.

Turkey did have the chance to seal matters – and promotion to League A into the bargain – from the penalty spot in the 89th-minute, but Kerem Akturkoglu’s effort struck the outside of the post and went wide.

“As soon as we walked out you could hear the whistle and the boos,” Leeds goalkeeper Darlow said of the volatile atmosphere generated by Turkey supporters.

“Lighters were being thrown into the six-yard box and to come out with a 0-0 and a point from that game is something we can all be proud of.”

Here’s the match report from last time out...

Wales maintained their unbeaten record under Craig Bellamy in a 0-0 Nations League draw with Turkey after Kerem Akturkoglu sent his 89th-minute penalty against a post.

Turkey were given the chance to sew up Group B4 when Neco Williamsstretched out a leg and Yunus Akgun went to ground.

But Akturkoglu tamely rolled his effort on to the base of a post and wide as Karl Darlow dived the other way.

Both teams recorded impressive results last time out, though a revived Wales side should have too much for the visitors despite their draw last month. 

Wales 2-1 Iceland. 

Wales XI: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Sheehan, James; Johnson, Wilson, James, Harris.

Iceland XI: Valdimarsson; Fridriksson, Ingason, Gunnarsson, Tomasson; Gudmundsson, Þórðarson, Traustason, Þorsteinsson; Oskarsson, Gudjohnsen.

Craig Bellamy has no new injury concerns after the draw against Turkey, so all that remains to be seen is whether he opts for a tactical change of personnel against Iceland.

The back four will likely remain the same, with Joe Rodon and Ben Davies trusted at centre-back alongside Neco Williams and Connor Roberts. In midfield, Jordan James and Josh Sheehan could anchor again in the absence of Ethan Ampadu.

Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson’s recent performances have likely cemented their places in the side, though Dan James could replace Sorba Thomas on the left wing.

Mark Harris started at centre-forward in the draw last week, though Lewis Koumas and David Brooks will both hope they did enough to playthemselves into contention for a starting place.

When is Wales vs Iceland?

The match takes place on Tuesday 19 November with kick-off set for 7.45pm GMT at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Where can I watch the match?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on S4C, with coverage starting at 7.20pm. The match can also be streamed online via BBC iPlayer.

Wales host Iceland in Cardiff in the final match of their Nations League group campaign on Monday night, knowing that they need just one point to reach the next stage of the competition.

Craig Bellamy’s side battled to a 0-0 draw against Turkey last week and that result keeps them second in the group, two points ahead of tonight’s opponents and two behind Turkey.

It’s still possible for Wales to get automatic promotion, but with Turkey unlikely to lose to a Montenegro side with five losses from five, perhaps their best hope is second and a place in the competition’s play-offs in March.

These two sides played out a closely fought 2-2 draw last month, though Iceland will be hunting a win to leapfrog the hosts in Cardiff.