It doesn’t get more massive than this!!!
Separated by just a point, Wales Women welcome England Lionesses to Rodney Parade for a fierce home nations showdown as the race for a spot at 2019 FIFA Women World Cup starts to reach its climax.
Both teams know that even a point apiece, let alone victory could very well decide who is safely on way to France next summer and who faces a play-off.
In simple terms, this is winner takes all!!!
Team news
Wales have no major team news to report.
Captain, Steph Houghton MBE meanwhile is expected to be recalled for England after missing the last round of internationals with a knee injury.
Form
Wales are yet to concede a goal despite winning five and drawing two from seven group games so far.
Both draws were 0-0 and came away at second and third placed sides, England and Russia.
England meanwhile have scored 20 goals but conceded one last time out in Russia, despite having played a game less than Wales.
During this run, they have also won five but drawn only once, against tonight’s opposition back in April.
Permutations
Wales – Win and they qualify as group winners regardless of what England does in Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
England – Win and they qualify as group winners with a game in hand as this is Wales’ last group game.
Draw – Wales must hope that Kazakhstan beat England on Tuesday otherwise England will win group, even with a draw and Wales will face play-offs if finish as one of four best runner-ups.
Prediction
With automatic qualification on line, neighbourly rivalry and a stadium capacity of 7,850 meaning that not many England fans can attend, this is probably going to feel like hell for England.
Match wise, England will probably dominate with their attacking football but Laura O’Sullivan is a tough nut to crack as the Lionesses found out four months ago.
This time, Wales just have to go for it because even a draw will be costly given that England have that game in hand.
Going for it does come with added pressure the longer they don’t score though, so I am backing England to destroy Welsh hearts late on with a dramatic winner.
Prediction: Wales Women 0-1 England Lionesses
Result: Wales Women 0-3 England Lionesses
Leave a Reply