Macedonia v Wales: Coleman’s side can check out with a win

Chris Coleman hopes to sign a new contract as Wales manager in the coming weeks, but right now he’s more concerned with other documents.

The former Fulham boss wasn’t allowed to fly with the team to Friday night’s clash in Macedonia having lost his passport, and after finally obtaining a new one he was forced to make the journey to Skopje via Vienna on his own.

That can hardly be described as ideal preparation for the 21/10 Welsh as they search for a third win of their World Cup qualifying campaign, but with a place in Brazil now all but mathematically impossible they are already focusing on obtaining a better seeding for the Euro 2016 qualifiers which start next year.

The Red Dragons have plenty to be positive about ahead of that challenge, too.

Former captain Aaron Ramsey has shown sparkling form for Arsenal in the opening weeks of the season, Craig Bellamy – another ex-skipper – has decided to remain an international footballer despite a threat to retire and Ashley Williams, the current holder of the armband, has turned into one of the most respected centre-backs in the Premier League.

Then of course there is Gareth Bale.

The world’s most expensive footballer has travelled to Macedonia following the completion of his move to Real Madrid, and although Coleman has indicated that he may not start the match, the manager has said that Bale will be involved from the bench.

That makes the 11/2 on offer for Bale to score last a very tempting price, especially given that he’s scored five goals in his last six appearances for his country.

Macedonia have lost four of their last five, and with Wales having turned things around somewhat following three wins and a draw in their last six, the prospect of an away victory with Bale finding the net at 7/2 should please their jetlagged manager.

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