If you’re a Liverpool or Spurs fan tuning in and thinking ‘where
is Neco Williams?’ or ‘where is Ben Davies?’ then let me tell you.
Williams, who is suddenly the most valuable of commodities,
a Liverpool defender not injured, is rested tonight after taking a kick to the
foot against the Republic of Ireland, though he is available for selection off
the bench. Swansea’s Connor Roberts, who has been in fabulous club form, replaces
him.
As for Davies, well, he’s suspended and has been replaced by James Lawrence.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
Rhys Norrington-Davies crosses, but the ball evades everyone in a crowded penalty area.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
You know the old cliche about 'the universal language of football'?
Well, there are a few words which seem to work whatever the language.
As a clearance goes up, the cries from both sets of coaches is "seconds", as in 'second ball'. Not unlike the shouts you hear on parks pitches on a Sunday morning.
CLOSE!
Wales 0-0 Finland
Daniel O’Shaugnessy plays a careless ball across the pitch in an area clearly marked 'danger' and Gareth Bale is onto it in a flash, but his shot is saved by Lukas Hradecky from a narrow angle.
Silly to give Bale so much space.
Also silly that Wales just played the Republic of Ireland and tonight is the night I am writing the name Daniel O’Shaugnessy.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
To coin a boxing phrase, styles make fights and if you are a boxing fan, you'd fear these styles could lead to a stalemate in the ring.
Both teams are playing variations of 3-5-2 and the centre of the field is currently more packed than the pasta aisle was back in March at your local supermarket.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
Wales win an early corner but Joe Rodon pushes his marker as he heads wide.
KICK-OFF
Wales 0-0 Finland
We are under way in Cardiff after the players take a knee.
As ever, that recorded national anthem sounded excellent pre-match.
Let the fight to win group B4 commence.
Another route to the World Cup?
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
As well as earning promotion to the top level of the Nations League, winning Group B4 could also help Wales secure a place in the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs.
There are 10 groups in European qualifying for the World Cup, with the 10 winners automatically securing their places at the tournament.
The 10 runners-up then go into the play-offs, joined by the two best Nations League group winners who have not already qualified for the World Cup or secured a play-off place.
So if Wales were to miss out on automatic World Cup qualification or a play-off place - as they did for the 2018 tournament - winning their Nations League group would almost certainly guarantee them a play-off spot via an alternative route.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The 2022 World Cup will take place in QatarImage caption: The 2022 World Cup will take place in Qatar
Big match facts
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
If you love a fact, and let's face it, who doesn't? Then this is the post for you.
Get those 'thumbs up' buttons ready, here we go....
Wales are unbeaten in 10 competitive games, winning
seven and drawing three since losing to Hungary in June 2019. They have never
gone 11 competitive matches without defeat.
It is 11 hours and 51 minutes since Wales conceded
a goal in competitive match, with the most recent coming at home to Croatia in
October 2019.
Finland will be aiming to win five consecutive
matches for the first time since October 2018.
Wales are aiming to make it 10 games without defeat
at home for the first time.
Gareth Bale has been directly involved in 13 goals
in his past 13 home games for Wales, scoring nine and assisting four.
Wales have won just two of their past nine games
against Finland since 1988, a 2-0 win in September 2002 under Mark Hughes and a
1-0 victory in the most recent meeting in Helsinki in September.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
'It's nice to be where I'm wanted' - Bale
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Anyway, back to Wales, and Tottenham forward Gareth Bale says he "feels loved" again as he aims to help Wales secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League.
Video content
Video caption: 'It's nice to be in a place where I'm wanted' - Bale'It's nice to be in a place where I'm wanted' - Bale
Elsewhere in Welsh football
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Normally during an international break, we are safe to ignore the club scene for a few days, safe in the knowledge that nothing seismic or historic is likely to happen with the players away with their country.
David Brooks hopes scoring Wales' winning goal against the Republic of Ireland on the weekend can help him move on from the anguish of his long-term injuries.
The Tottenham forward is expected to captain Wales as they face Finland needing only a draw to win their Nations League group.
"It's a massive game for us. We want to win the group and get promoted," said Bale.
"We feel we're getting better and better each game and it's important for us as a country to get that winning mentality and that feeling going into the summer.
"If we get promoted we will be testing ourselves against the best countries in the world, which is what we want to do as a nation."
Wales' Nations League journey so far
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
As Wales get set for tonight's winner-takes-all Nations League match against Finland, BBC Sport Wales takes a look at their unbeaten journey in the group so far.
Video content
Video caption: How Wales set up Nations League showdown with FinlandHow Wales set up Nations League showdown with Finland
Wales' players all test negative for Covid-19
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
As ever this year, coronavirus has been a big talking point in the build-up to this match.
The good news is that all Wales' players have tested negative for Covid-19 after facing a Republic of Ireland side including two players who tested positive.
Matt Doherty and James McClean, tested positive after playing in their 1-0 loss to Wales on Sunday.
But Wales tested their players on Monday and all results came back on Tuesday as negative.
"The medical team have worked tirelessly to make sure we've got the best care and protocols in place," said Wales assistant manager Robert Page.
Republic of Ireland's James McClean (right) played the full match against Wales before testing positive for Covid-19Image caption: Republic of Ireland's James McClean (right) played the full match against Wales before testing positive for Covid-19
Team news - Finland change formation
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Finland make two changes from their 2-1 win in Bulgaria on Sunday.
Striker Joel Pohjanpalo is out injured, while captain and midfielder Tim Sparv is suspended.
In come Daniel O’Shaughnessy and Rasmus Schuller as the Finns switch from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 formation.
Is that an attempt to match Wales' wing-backs system?
Wales make three changes from Sunday’s 1-0 win over the
Republic of Ireland.
There are two changes in defence, with James Lawrence
replacing the suspended Ben Davies at left centre-back and Connor Roberts
coming in for Neco Williams at right wing-back.
The other change sees Harry Wilson return from suspension in
place of David Brooks.
Wales XI: Ward;
Mepham, Rodon, J. Lawrence; C. Roberts, Ampadu, Morrell, Norrington-Davies; Wilson,
James, Bale.
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Good evening
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Good evening,
Back so soon? You utter Nations League addicts. You simply can't get enough can you?
Well to be fair, if you're a Wales fan, it's hard to blame you, considering how well this campaign has gone heading into the final game.
I suspect if you'd have been offered being top of the group with a game to go having conceded zero goals in the entire campaign you'd have taken it and here we are, with Wales' destiny very much in their own hands.
A win tonight is icing on the cake, but Wales simply need to avoid defeat to secure Nations League promotion and with it the prospect of a potential future World Cup play-off berth.
Live Reporting
Michael Pearlman
All times stated are UK
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
If you’re a Liverpool or Spurs fan tuning in and thinking ‘where is Neco Williams?’ or ‘where is Ben Davies?’ then let me tell you.
Williams, who is suddenly the most valuable of commodities, a Liverpool defender not injured, is rested tonight after taking a kick to the foot against the Republic of Ireland, though he is available for selection off the bench. Swansea’s Connor Roberts, who has been in fabulous club form, replaces him.
As for Davies, well, he’s suspended and has been replaced by James Lawrence.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
Rhys Norrington-Davies crosses, but the ball evades everyone in a crowded penalty area.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
You know the old cliche about 'the universal language of football'?
Well, there are a few words which seem to work whatever the language.
As a clearance goes up, the cries from both sets of coaches is "seconds", as in 'second ball'. Not unlike the shouts you hear on parks pitches on a Sunday morning.
CLOSE!
Wales 0-0 Finland
Daniel O’Shaugnessy plays a careless ball across the pitch in an area clearly marked 'danger' and Gareth Bale is onto it in a flash, but his shot is saved by Lukas Hradecky from a narrow angle.
Silly to give Bale so much space.
Also silly that Wales just played the Republic of Ireland and tonight is the night I am writing the name Daniel O’Shaugnessy.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
To coin a boxing phrase, styles make fights and if you are a boxing fan, you'd fear these styles could lead to a stalemate in the ring.
Both teams are playing variations of 3-5-2 and the centre of the field is currently more packed than the pasta aisle was back in March at your local supermarket.
Post update
Wales 0-0 Finland
Wales win an early corner but Joe Rodon pushes his marker as he heads wide.
KICK-OFF
Wales 0-0 Finland
We are under way in Cardiff after the players take a knee.
As ever, that recorded national anthem sounded excellent pre-match.
Let the fight to win group B4 commence.
Another route to the World Cup?
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales at Cardiff City Stadium
As well as earning promotion to the top level of the Nations League, winning Group B4 could also help Wales secure a place in the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs.
There are 10 groups in European qualifying for the World Cup, with the 10 winners automatically securing their places at the tournament.
The 10 runners-up then go into the play-offs, joined by the two best Nations League group winners who have not already qualified for the World Cup or secured a play-off place.
So if Wales were to miss out on automatic World Cup qualification or a play-off place - as they did for the 2018 tournament - winning their Nations League group would almost certainly guarantee them a play-off spot via an alternative route.
Big match facts
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
If you love a fact, and let's face it, who doesn't? Then this is the post for you.
Get those 'thumbs up' buttons ready, here we go....
Wales are unbeaten in 10 competitive games, winning seven and drawing three since losing to Hungary in June 2019. They have never gone 11 competitive matches without defeat.
It is 11 hours and 51 minutes since Wales conceded a goal in competitive match, with the most recent coming at home to Croatia in October 2019.
Finland will be aiming to win five consecutive matches for the first time since October 2018.
Wales are aiming to make it 10 games without defeat at home for the first time.
Gareth Bale has been directly involved in 13 goals in his past 13 home games for Wales, scoring nine and assisting four.
Wales have won just two of their past nine games against Finland since 1988, a 2-0 win in September 2002 under Mark Hughes and a 1-0 victory in the most recent meeting in Helsinki in September.
'It's nice to be where I'm wanted' - Bale
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Anyway, back to Wales, and Tottenham forward Gareth Bale says he "feels loved" again as he aims to help Wales secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League.
Video content
Elsewhere in Welsh football
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Normally during an international break, we are safe to ignore the club scene for a few days, safe in the knowledge that nothing seismic or historic is likely to happen with the players away with their country.
Meanwhile, in Wrexham....
Well, it truly has been an extraordinary week.
Here is the story of how they went Hollywood.
Brooks hopes to move on from injury woes
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
David Brooks hopes scoring Wales' winning goal against the Republic of Ireland on the weekend can help him move on from the anguish of his long-term injuries.
Read more from Brooks here.
Who needs what in final Nations League group games?
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
What do the home nations need in the final round of games - and what has already been decided?
Here is everything you need to know.
Bale ready for 'massive' match
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Gareth Bale certainly sounds up for it tonight.
The Tottenham forward is expected to captain Wales as they face Finland needing only a draw to win their Nations League group.
"It's a massive game for us. We want to win the group and get promoted," said Bale.
"We feel we're getting better and better each game and it's important for us as a country to get that winning mentality and that feeling going into the summer.
"If we get promoted we will be testing ourselves against the best countries in the world, which is what we want to do as a nation."
Wales' Nations League journey so far
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
As Wales get set for tonight's winner-takes-all Nations League match against Finland, BBC Sport Wales takes a look at their unbeaten journey in the group so far.
Video content
Wales' players all test negative for Covid-19
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
As ever this year, coronavirus has been a big talking point in the build-up to this match.
The good news is that all Wales' players have tested negative for Covid-19 after facing a Republic of Ireland side including two players who tested positive.
Matt Doherty and James McClean, tested positive after playing in their 1-0 loss to Wales on Sunday.
But Wales tested their players on Monday and all results came back on Tuesday as negative.
"The medical team have worked tirelessly to make sure we've got the best care and protocols in place," said Wales assistant manager Robert Page.
You can read the full story here.
Team news - Finland change formation
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Finland make two changes from their 2-1 win in Bulgaria on Sunday.
Striker Joel Pohjanpalo is out injured, while captain and midfielder Tim Sparv is suspended.
In come Daniel O’Shaughnessy and Rasmus Schuller as the Finns switch from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 formation.
Is that an attempt to match Wales' wing-backs system?
Finland XI:Hradecky; Toivio, Arajuuri, O’Shaugnessy; Alho, Schuller, Kamara, Taylor, Uronen; Lod, Pukki.
Team news - Wales make three changes
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Wales make three changes from Sunday’s 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
There are two changes in defence, with James Lawrence replacing the suspended Ben Davies at left centre-back and Connor Roberts coming in for Neco Williams at right wing-back.
The other change sees Harry Wilson return from suspension in place of David Brooks.
Wales XI: Ward; Mepham, Rodon, J. Lawrence; C. Roberts, Ampadu, Morrell, Norrington-Davies; Wilson, James, Bale.
Good evening
Wales v Finland (19:45 GMT)
Good evening,
Back so soon? You utter Nations League addicts. You simply can't get enough can you?
Well to be fair, if you're a Wales fan, it's hard to blame you, considering how well this campaign has gone heading into the final game.
I suspect if you'd have been offered being top of the group with a game to go having conceded zero goals in the entire campaign you'd have taken it and here we are, with Wales' destiny very much in their own hands.
A win tonight is icing on the cake, but Wales simply need to avoid defeat to secure Nations League promotion and with it the prospect of a potential future World Cup play-off berth.
So let's have a look at the teams, shall we?