San Marino v Wales preview

Toshack: Under pressure

skysports.com prediction: San Marino 0 Wales 3

Player to watch: Gareth Bale

Sky Bet odds: San Marino 25/1 Draw 7/1 Wales 1/25

Click here for full odds.

Related links

Teams

• Wales

Also see

• Score Centre
• Euro 2008 tables
• Bet on qualifiers

John Toshack's Wales will be playing for more than pride when they take on San Marino on Wednesday - they will be playing to prove a point.

Wales succumbed to a miserable 3-1 defeat to Cyprus at the weekend, a result which sparked fierce criticism from the press.

Toshack's men are unable to qualify for Euro 2008, but the qualifier in the Stadio Olimpico provides them with the opportunity to demonstrate the questioned absence of passion.

Furthermore, a third placed finish is not beyond them, and finishing higher in Group D will have a huge impact on seedings in draws for future European Championships and World Cups.

Damage limitation

Despite hosting a weary Wales, it is likely to be damage limitation for San Marino, who have lost every game during their qualifying campaign and conceded a woeful 50 goals.

Wales can draw heart from the fact that they brushed aside Giampaolo Mazza's men 3-0 back in March, and they will be desperate for a repeat performance as Toshack looks to eradicate the memory of Saturday's display.

An overhaul of the starting XI that slumped to Cyprus is unlikely, but a forced change has arisen following defender James Collins' calf injury.

Savage attack

Danny Gabbidon should continue in defence despite being singled out for criticism, while captain Craig Bellamy is likely to make his second appearance in five days after recently recovering from a groin injury.

Mazza has no fresh injury concerns after their 7-0 thumping against Slovakia, but may reshape his system in a bid to restrict an eager to impress Wales side.

Should Toshak fail to deliver he leaves himself open for a further tirade of abuse from the ever vocal Robbie Savage - something one suspects he could do without.