Bale prefers playing for Wales over Real Madrid


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PA
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Gareth Bale starts for Wales against Group E minnows Azerbaijan as they chase a place in Euro 2020.

With Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia all above them in the league table, Wales cannot afford anything but two wins from their final two group games.

Their meeting with Hungary in Cardiff could yet prove to be decisive but it will mean nothing if they cannot get the job done against Azerbaijan this evening. Follow it live:



2019-11-16T17:08:29.130Z

5 min: AZE 0-0 WAL

Kieffer Moore tries a long-range effort but it’s blocked. A moment later Harry Wilson has a look at goal too, but for some reason takes a few touches and his eventual shot is blocked. Bright by Wales.


2019-11-16T17:05:13.786Z

KICK-OFF!

They are under way in Azerbaijan. 


2019-11-16T17:02:45.736Z

Wales XI

 

Hennessey, Roberts, Mepham, Lockyer, Davies, Morrell, Ampadu, Wilson, Bale, James, Moore

 


2019-11-16T17:01:59.543Z

Ryan Giggs has called for calm in Azerbaijan with star players Gareth Bale and Daniel James a booking away from missing Wales’ final Euro 2020 qualifier.

Wales probably need to win their final two games – away to Azerbaijan and Hungary at home on Tuesday – to secure automatic qualification at next summer’s tournament.

A hostile sell-out crowd awaits Wales at Baku’s Bakcell Arena, and manager Giggs is aware that Real Madrid forward Bale and Manchester United winger James are walking disciplinary tightropes.

“We’ve seen Joe Allen miss out on this game because of suspension,” Giggs said ahead of Saturday’s Group E clash.

“Discipline is a big part of winning games. But still you want players to be competitive but with an eye of not giving away stupid fouls to get easy yellow cards.”

 

 

Prediction

Wales to be far too good. 3-0.