There are plenty of empty seats in the stadium tonight, but the local drummer is present and is making plenty - and I mean plenty - of noise.

We are off and running in Reykjavik.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

The development of the team has been fantastic since Sophie Ingle has been the captain and she's been the captain since such a young age.

But she gained respect of the whole team ever since she stepped in to the squad at 16 years of age.

She's the ultimate leader, the person you want on your side and it would be a travesty for her if she isn't able to lead Wales to a major tournament.

Image source, FAW

Elsewhere in Wales' Nations League group, Denmark have just beaten Germany 2-0 in Viborg.

Amalie Vangsgaard opened the scoring in the 23rd minute for the hosts.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward added her second in the 64th minute to give the Danes all three points.

Denmark will face Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday night, while Germany host Iceland in Bochum.

Image source, Getty Images

Gwennan Harries
Former Wales striker on MOTD Wales

It's a really good opportunity for these girls now.

The performances have been good against countries around us or a little bit above us of late, it's about results now.

If we can get a result it will add to that belief because Wales need to take that next step, it will be a stern challenge, Iceland have a lot of pace on the counter attack.

I expect Wales to dominate possession, it will be tight, aggressive and physical but if Wales can get on the front foot and be a bit more clinical then hopefully they can come away with at least a point.

Image source, FAW

Wales and Manchester United defender Hayley Ladd says she could not help but feel "a little bit envious" as she watched this summer's World Cup.

Ladd says Wales' Nations League performances could boost their chances of ending the wait for a major tournament appearance - having been given a rundown on how the tournament works by Gemma Grainger.

Read more: Hayley Ladd column: Wales' Nations League excitement and Spain respect

Wales head coach Gemma Grainger on Match of the Day Wales:

"We're really confident, we've had great preparation. We've got great squad depth with players who can affect the game in a real positive way.

"If we want to qualify for a European Championships we've got to perform in these games, if the performance is good I'm pretty confident of the result.

"I expect a tough game from Iceland, we'll have to fight and earn the right to be in the game but we want to test ourselves tonight.

"We want to play against the best players and we're ready and prepared to do that."

Image source, FAW

Players from both sides are expected to carry the message #SeAcabo on tape around their wrists tonight, in a show of solidarity with Spain's players following the World Cup.

The hashtag - which translates to 'it's over' - is a response to the events which led to the resignation of Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales.

Image source, FAW

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

Rachel Rowe is just coming back from injury and she's the one on the bench who would normally start.

Who would have been left out to accommodate Rowe is the question. There's so much competition for places especially in those forward places where she has played a bit more over the last year or so.

Image source, FAW

Wales may have missed out on the World Cup, but Rachel Rowe says results at the tournament proved the gap between the top sides and the rest in international women's football is closing.

Utility player Rowe reckons Wales can take inspiration from the success of some of the less-fancied sides as the Nations League begins.

"You look at the whole World Cup, the teams that are the underdog aren't the underdog any more," said Rowe.

"From a footballing perspective it's developing at a rapid tempo, teams are creeping up on the teams at the top, getting better and better."

Read more: Rachel Rowe: Wales 'excited' for Nations League start to mend World Cup heartbreak

Wales manager Gemma Grainger has said repeatedly since that Switzerland defeat that her team are on course for a first major championship.

And with Euro 2025 qualifying to come next year, Grainger says Wales are viewing the Nations League campaign as a "trial run" for a future European Championship appearance.

Katie Sherwood
Former Wales midfielder on MOTD Wales

Every new competition is exciting and we know this is the preparation for Wales' first major tournament with the Euros in 2025.

I believe Gemma Grainger has the best resources and investment she's had for this team, we've got players in the best leagues in the world and there's an expectation Wales start competing with the top nations.

This is a great test for Wales against Iceland.

Image source, FAW

Wales' recent progress means they are in the top tier for this first Women's Nations League.

They are the fourth seeds in Group A3 alongside Iceland, Germany and Denmark.

Gemma Grainger's side are ranked 29th in the world, with third seeds Iceland 15 places above them, Denmark 12th and Germany sixth.

Wales will therefore be tipped by many to be relegated at the end of this campaign - which features home and away games against their three group opponents before the end of the year - but Sophie Ingle says they can make an impression.

"We are under no illusions that we are fourth seed in the group, but as a team that means nothing to us," said the Wales skipper.

These sides have already faced each other once this year, when they met in the Pinatar Cup in Spain in February.

That game ended 0-0, with Iceland going on to win the tournament on seven points, with victories over Scotland and the Phillippines.

Wales played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Scotland in their final game to finish second on five points.

Image source, Football Association of Wales

Philip Marsh
BBC Sport Wales at Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik

To give some idea of the temperature out here in Reykjavik this evening, there are complimentary blankets being handed out.

I am extremely grateful for mine, especially as in an hour's time the sun goes down and the temperature will drop rapidly towards freezing.

Thankfully the rain has eased off! Touch wood it stays that way!

Wales' players were given some guidance this week on how the Nations League works this week, and there is some here too.

Image source, Getty Images

Iceland missed out on qualification for this year's World Cup, but will be optimistic about their Euro 2025 prospects having been regulars at the European Championship in recent times.

They have been in good form since losing to Portugal in the World Cup play-offs, having lost only one of their seven games since then.

Since drawing with Wales en route to winning the Pinatar Cup, Iceland have beaten Switzerland and Austria and drawn with New Zealand, with their one defeat coming against Finland in July.

Wales have also lost only once since the end of World Cup qualification, of course, with a six-game unbeaten run preceding their friendly defeat to the USA in July.

Image source, FAW

Managers and players often say after a loss that they cannot wait for their next game because it will offer a chance to put defeat behind them.

So it is not ideal for Wales that it is almost 12 months since they last played a competitive game.

They have had a very long time to reflect on that agonising World Cup play-off final defeat to Switzerland last October.

There have been seven Wales games since then, but tonight sees Gemma Grainger's side return to meaningful action.

Results from the Nations League group stages will be used to determine the groups for Euro 2025 qualifying.

For Wales, a demanding group offers a chance to prove once again that they can mix it in the top echelons of the women's international game.

Philip Marsh
BBC Sport Wales at Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik

Wales manager Gemma Grainger has stuck to her philosophy and has selected an extremely experienced and tested starting 11.

Captain Sophie Ingle returns from suspension having missed their friendly against the United States in July.

She joins Angharad James in midfield with Jess Fishlock playing just ahead of them - the trio combining for over 300 international caps.

Kayleigh Green starts up front with Ceri Holland and Carrie Jones, who has recently joined Bristol City, providing a threat out wide.

Wales: Clark, Roberts, Ladd, Evans, Woodham, Ingle (C), James, Holland, Fishlock, Jones, K Green.

Subs: Middleton-Patel, O'Sullivan, J Green, McAteer, Rowe, Hughes, Estcourt, Powell, E Morgan, Wynne, Filbey, F Morgan.

Image source, BBC Sport

Iceland have made five changes to the side that beat Austria 1-0 back in July.

In come goalkeeper Telma Ivarsdottir, Sandra Jessen, Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir, Hlin Eiriksdottir and Amanda Andradottir.

Sveindis Jonsdottir, who looked Iceland's biggest threat when the sides last met in February, starts on the bench for the hosts.

Iceland: Ivarsdottir, Jessen, Viggosdottir (c), I Sigurdardottir, Sol Magnusdottir, Zomers, Vilhjalmsdottir, Eiriksdottir, Antonsdottir, Arnardottir, Andradottir.

Subs: S Sigurdardottir, Birkisdottir, Gudmundsdottir, Pedersen, Agustsdottir, Asgrimsdottir, Eiriksdottir, Albertsdottir, Heidarsdottir, Arnadottir, Haldorsdottir, Jonsdottir.

Image source, BBC Sport