Ryan Giggs will be hoping Wales can draw on their recent history when they meet Slovakia in their opening European Championship qualifier in Cardiff.
The two sides met at Euro 2016 when goals from Gareth Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu secured a 2-1 win in Bordeaux, a result which kick-started The Dragons' run to the semi-finals.
Both have endured similarly disappointing fortunes since that tournament, neither qualifying for the World Cup or reaching the Nations League playoffs. Indeed, Slovakia were relegated to League C after finishing bottom of their group.
Therefore, the game represents a genuine chance to ignite a new era and with Croatia for company in Group E, take a major step towards the finals next summer.
| Game | Wales vs Slovakia |
| Date | Sunday, March 24 |
| Time | 2pm GMT / 10am ET |
| Stream (US only) | fuboTV (7-day free trial) |
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial) .
New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.
| US TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| ESPN3 | fuboTV |
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will be shown on television on SC4 or Sky Sports Football and it will be available to stream live online using Sky Go.
| UK TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| SC4 / Sky Sports Football | Sky Go Extra |
Squads & Team News
| Position | Wales squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Hennessey, Ward, Davies, Maxwell |
| Defenders | Williams, Gunter, Taylor, Davies, Roberts, Lawrence, Lockyer, Mepham, Dummett, John |
| Midfielders | Hedges, Allen, Brooks, Woodburn, Wilson, Ramsey, Smith, Evans, James, Vaulks, Thomas |
| Forwards | Vokes, Bale, Roberts |
Giggs is expected to ring the changes from the 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. Ashley Williams is among those who will keep their place at the heart of a back-four.
Ben Davies, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will all return after missing the success at the Racecourse Ground.
Potential Wales starting XI: Hennessey; Roberts, Mepham, Williams, Davies; Ramsey, Allen; Brooks, Wilson, James; Bale.
| Position | Slovakia squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Dubravka, Kozacik, Rodak |
| Defenders | Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko, Stetina, Satka, Spilak |
| Midfielders | Lobotka, Kucka, Hamsik, Rusnak, Mak, Gregus, Bero, Hrosovsky, Stoch, Mihalik |
| Forwards | Safranko, Duda, Duria |
Pavel Hapal is unlikely to make too many changes from the win over Hungary which set their qualifying campaign off on the right foot.
The entire front-three was replaced late on in the 2-0 success and that all but cements their role in the team. Slovakia player of the year Marek Hamsik is set to add to his 110 caps.
Potential Slovakia starting XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Lokotka, Kucka; Rusnak, Hamsik, Mak; Duda
Betting & Match Odds
Wales are favourites to win at 11/10 with bet365 . Slovakia start at 3/1 to take the three points while a draw is priced 12/5.
Match Preview
Getty Images
It is unlikely that even Giggs will survive the backlash if he can't guide Wales to Euro 2020 next summer.
The ex-Manchester United winger's tenure in charge has failed to catch fire. Just four wins have come from his 10 games in charge, which included an inability to top their Nations League group.
Last Wednesday's narrow win over Trinidad and Tobago - albeit with a second string starting XI - was not the way Giggs envisage opening 2019 and with the likes of Bale and Ramsey set to return, the pressure is on to produce a display which reflects the talent at his disposal.
Victory over Trinidad was delivered via Ben Woodburn's late goal, an indication of the spirit within the squad according to the 45-year-old.
"That's a nice habit to have and that's what I said to the players," said Giggs, who won 64 caps for his country.
"Once you have that trait it doesn't leave you.
"You know it, and the opposition know it as well, that you are a team that can score late."
Wales have been watching videos of their win over Slovakia almost two years ago in an effort to use that experience to inspire them to an opening day win.
One difference from that game for Slovakia will be in goal where Martin Dubravka will start having not been included in the squad for Euro 2016.
The Newcastle goalkeeper is one of the Premier League's best between the sticks and he is wary of Wales' overall threat.
"It's not just about superstars, of course, those teammates pull down teammates," said the 30-year-old.
"If we play at least as well as against the Hungarians, we will not be afraid to create and combine. You need to concentrate on your performance and attack with your own weapons."
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