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Wales v Finland preview

Image: Bellamy: Fit for Finland game

Wales and Finland go head-to-head on Saturday in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Group 4.

Watch Wales v Finland live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1

Wales and Finland go head-to-head at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Group 4. Germany currently lead the way in the group and it looks likely that Wales will have to battle it out for second place with Russia, while Finland will also believe they can stake their claim. The Welsh sit third, level on points with second placed Russia, having taken six points from four games with Finland just a point behind them having played a game less. Assistant boss Roy Evans and defender Gareth Bale have already urged for more supporters to get down to the stadium and get behind the team as Wales look to make home advantage count.

Wales team news

Striker Craig Bellamy should be fit to start after he came through training unscathed having made just one substitute appearance for Manchester City after suffering a knee injury. More good news for John Toshack is the fact that defender James Collins has been declared fully fit. The West Ham centre-back had been a doubt with a hamstring injury having not played for the Hammers since 21st February. Midfielders Simon Davies and Jason Koumas are back with the squad after the pair missed the 1-0 friendly defeat to Poland in February and both should start. Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley and Swansea defender Ashley Williams participated in lighter training sessions earlier in the week after their respective club managers raised concerns over the amount of games they had played this season. Both should be fit to stake their claim for a starting place. Players definitely missing out are Bristol City midfielder Gavin Williams (calf), while Neal Eardley and Rhys Williams have been allowed to join up with the Under-21s for Friday's clash with Luxembourg.
Finland team news
The Finns don't have any new injuries ahead of the game and boast a number of familiar faces in their squad. Former Chelsea and Birmingham striker Mikael Forssell and ex-Liverpool forward Jari Litmanen should be up front for the hosts, while Bolton stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen is expected to start in goal. Fulham man Toni Kallio and Liverpool centre-back Sami Hyypia should also be in the first XI against the Welsh.