Wales were disappointing against England in their last match, and while they only lost thanks to a late goal from Daniel Sturridge, Gareth Bale and co. will know improvements are necessary when they play Russia in their final group encounter of Euro 2016. This Group B match in Toulouse is a must-win for both teams to guarantee qualification into the last 16.
The Welsh are better placed than the Russians in the group, having picked up three points in their first match of Euro 2016 against Slovakia. However, that England defeat has put the pressure back on Chris Coleman's side and while a draw might be enough to see them through to the next round, the Wales players will not want to take any chances.
The key to minimising the mistakes, of course, is by selecting the ideal starting XI for the conditions. With qualification very much in their own hands, Coleman will want to pick the players who he thinks will thrive on the big stage.
Bale, without a doubt, is the chief among the step-up-when-needed list, while Aaron Ramsey was outstanding with his tireless running against England. Having defended too deep and invited waves and waves of England pressure in the last match, Coleman might think a little more forward for this game, with Jonny Williams, quite good in the win over Slovakia, expected to come in for Hal Robson-Kanu, who could not make enough of an impact against England.
If Williams does come in, it will also mean Bale moving further forward, which could work in Wales' favour, because it will mean their biggest goal threat will always be there or thereabouts when a chance comes knocking, with the Real Madrid forward also able to take advantage of the lack of pace in the Russia backline.
Joe Ledley is a slight doubt, having left the pitch with a groin problem in the last game, but the midfielder expects to be fit in time, and if he is, Coleman should line him up alongside Joe Allen in central midfield. If Ledley cannot make it, David Edwards is expected to fill in.
While Wales are not expected to make too many changes to their starting XI, it remains to be seen how Leonid Slutski goes with his Russia lineup. Russia were poor in their second Group B match against Slovakia, conceding two sloppy goals, albeit well taken ones.
Russia must beat Wales to stand a chance of staying alive in Euro 2016, and to help them do that, Slutski is expected to name Denis Glushakov, who scored in the 2-1 defeat to Slovakia, in the starting XI. Another player expected to push for a starting berth is Roman Shirokov, but Slutski hinted at the fact that the midfielder might be better suited to come on as a substitute.
"Glushakov has only just returned to full fitness and is ready to start," Slutski was quoted as saying by UEFA's official website when asked about his plans for the starting XI. "Up until now, he played as much as he could.
"Shirokov's role is to increase our options in attack by coming on as a substitute. This is something he is doing very well."
Confirmed starting XI: Russia: Akinfeev; Smolnikov, V Berezutski, Ignashevich, Kombarov; Smolov, Mamaev, Shirokov, Glushakov, Kokorin; Dzyuba.
Wales: Hennessey; Gunter, Chester, Ashley Williams, Davies, Taylor; Allen, Ledley; Ramsey, Bale; Vokes.
