5 talking points ahead of Wales’ Nations League clash with Denmark

Ryan Giggs’ side are fresh from a 4-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland, while this is Denmark’s first game in the competition.

Here, Press Association Sport considers some of the talking points surrounding the game.

Will bold Giggs go for it?

Wales boss Giggs was rewarded for his bravery in selection on Thursday as the Republic were hammered in Cardiff. Four rookies aged 22 or under started and another two came off the bench as Giggs put his faith in youth. There was a real vibrancy about Wales and the Republic could not live with the pace of the front three – Gareth Bale, Tom Lawrence and David Brooks. Wales were happy for an open game against the pedestrian Irish, but will such tactics work against the streetwise Danes?

Ampadu looks the part

Ethan Ampadu is still a week short of his 18th birthday and has not played a single minute so far for Chelsea this season. But Ampadu’s man-of-the-match performance on his first competitive start for Wales showed why so many believe he has a huge future in the game. He always appears to have time on the ball and his fine range of passing set up two goals against the Republic. A similar display against Denmark will raise his stock even further.

Bale still the main man

For all the talk of their exciting crop of youngsters there is no denying that Bale is still the difference for Wales. Bale has taken on the mantle of being Real Madrid’s main man since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and has scored in his last four games for club and country. Another wonder strike against the Republic extended his Wales goals record to 30, and Denmark know they must stop Bale at all costs.

Denmark row fall-out

To say Denmark have had a difficult build-up to this game would rank as one of football’s biggest ever understatements. A dispute over the players’ commercial rights saw a team of lower-league and futsal players represent Denmark in a 3-0 midweek friendly defeat to Slovakia. The row was resolved on Thursday to allow Christian Eriksen and company to line-up against Wales. But the repercussions could still be felt as the Denmark players have not fully trained this week.

Eriksen role crucial

In a week when Denmark became the laughing stock of international football it is easy to forget they reached the last 16 of the World Cup and are ranked ninth by FIFA. Denmark’s Norwegian coach Age Hareide has been accused of playing boring football but their pragmatic approach is hard to beat. They lost to eventual World Cup finalists Croatia in a penalty shoot-out, and in Tottenham midfielder Eriksen have a player capable of opening up the best defences.