MY ACCOUNT
Wales are seeking a seeded spot at the World Cup play-offs — and Harry Wilson can fire them over the finish line.
Rob Page’s men have already earned a place in the second round of qualifying after previously winning their Nations League group.
But they need to finish as Group H runners-up to stand a chance of having a favourable home draw when those knockout games roll around in March.
Three points against Belarus tonight will be vital to achieving that aim — here is why in-form Fulham forward Wilson can play a key role in securing victory.
End product
Wilson has been in fine form since making the £12million switch from Liverpool to Fulham during the summer.
The 24-year-old hit the ground running in West London, racking up a remarkable five goals and six assists in just 14 league appearances for the Cottagers.
Only five players in England’s second tier have made more goal contributions this season but those numbers are nothing new for the Wrexham native — he also chipped in with seven strikes and 11 assists while on loan at Cardiff last term.
When it comes to end product, Wilson can be relied upon to deliver.
Goals on the agenda
Goal difference could be a decisive factor in Wales’ hopes of gaining seeded status.
The Dragons and the Czech Republic are currently tied on 11 points, though Page’s side do have a game in hand against the Central Europeans.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s outfit lead their rivals for second spot by two goals and face second-bottom Estonia on Tuesday, so it is imperative Wales beat Belarus by a comfortable margin this evening.
That quest will be aided by having sharpshooter Wilson in their ranks — he is inside the top 10 Championship players when it comes to total efforts on goal, managing 40 shots so far.
Set-piece specialist
With such fine margins in Group E, set-pieces could undoubtedly have a part to play in proceedings.
Though Wilson has only assisted one goal directly from a set-piece this season, he frequently demonstrated his dead-ball accuracy for Cardiff last term.
The attacker registered six assists and two goals from corners and free-kicks for the Bluebirds, so will be confident of nailing the perfect delivery if the opportunity arises tonight.
An all-round performer
When Fulham romped to a 4-1 win against Birmingham in September, Wilson got on the scoresheet and put on an attacking masterclass at St Andrew’s.
Speaking after that match, Fulham boss Marco Silva was effusive in his praise of the forward’s all-round contribution.
He said: “On 84 minutes, he pressed the central defender, Jean Michael Seri made a good overlap and then the finish [from Aleksandar Mitrovic].
“I was really pleased to see that and it showed he’s really involved in the team, not just to score goals, but pressing opponents and doing his work without the ball.”
Birmingham head coach Lee Bowyer was similarly impressed at the final whistle.
He added: “Wilson is intelligent — his brain is just way, way in front [of everyone else].
“He sees things happening. He has got pictures in his head all the time.”
Time to shine
Wilson has enjoyed playing a supporting role to 20-goal Championship top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic at Fulham but he may need to take on greater responsibility against Belarus.
Though Welsh icon Gareth Bale is in the squad and hoping to win his 100th senior cap, the Dragons are missing suspended target man Kieffer Moore for this evening’s encounter.
That will have a significant impact on Page’s tactical approach, so he will have to rely on his other forwards without a physical presence up front.
With an arsenal of attacking attributes at his disposal, now is the time for Wilson to stand up and be counted for Wales.
