Preview:Wales vs Canada - prediction, team news, lineups

Wales will be looking to continue their impressive run of form when they welcome Canada to Swansea for an international friendly this Tuesday night.

The Dragons are coming into this game on the back of a difficult World Cup qualifying win, while the Canadians are looking forward to yet another test against European opposition.

Match preview

Wales made the long trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday, and the Dragons took care of business as Kieffer Moore’s 24th-minute goal helped his side to all three points.

Winning the match was crucial for Wales, who are locked in a fierce battle for World Cup qualification with group leaders North Macedonia and group favourites Belgium.

By taking all three points from Astana, Wales have put themselves within one point of the current leaders, but Craig Bellamy and his men will be truly tested in October and November when they take on their key rivals – both in Cardiff.

The Dragons will put World Cup qualifying pressures to one side this Tuesday, as they prepare for an intriguing friendly clash with Canada; the two nations last met in May 2004, though a lot has changed since then.

Speaking of the Canadians, former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch was left somewhat disappointed by his team’s CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign in June.

The Reds were knocked out in the quarter-final stage, losing on penalties to Guatemala following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

Canada will now be looking to build some much-needed momentum ahead of the summer’s World Cup, which the North American side are co-hosting.

The Reds qualified for the 2022 event in Qatar, which marked their first World Cup appearance since 1986. Despite this, their performance was rather forgettable, with the team losing all three of their group games.

Marsch is hoping to use a series of friendlies in order to prepare his side for the rigours of major international football. His men certainly made a positive impression by beating Romania 3-0 on Friday, and they will be looking to send a similar message against Wales in Swansea.

Wales form (all competitions):

W W D W L W

Canada form (all competitions):

L W D W L W

Team News

Wales head coach Bellamy is expected to make some changes from the side that played away in Kazakhstan. The only real question concerns how much rotation he is willing to do.

One man expected to keep his place is goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is filling in for the injured Danny Ward.

Joe Rodon, Jay Dasilva and Nathan Broadhead are also on the injury list, while the likes of Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson are expected to be rested.

Canada, meanwhile, are without Alphonso Davies, who continues to rehab from a torn ACL.

Cyle Larin withdrew from the squad, while Alistair Johnston and Sam Adekugbe are both out with injuries.

Jonathan Osorio and Kamal Miller were notable omissions from the squad, but on the other hand, youngster Luc de Fougerolles continues to shine for the national side.

Jonathan David, who scored against Romania, remains the key threat for the Canadians.

Wales possible starting lineup: Darlow; Mepham, Davies, Lawlor; Thomas, Cullen, Sheehan, Brooks, Williams; Cullen, Moore

Canada possible starting lineup: Crepeau; Marshall-Rutty, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Kone, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; Oluwaseyi, David

We say: Wales 1-1 Canada

Wales are known for being tough to beat – especially on home soil. The Dragons are expected to live up to that reputation in Tuesday’s friendly.

Canada, meanwhile, will be full of confidence following that big win over Romania. The visitors are looking to build momentum ahead of the World Cup, and they are capable of getting at least a draw in Swansea.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.