Group A underdogs Wales and Scotland are aiming to get their Brazil 2014 qualification bid back on track as they face each other at Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales vs. Scotland, 2014 UEFA World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule
Scotland see the return of Steven and Darren Fletcher as they bid to get their qualification campaign back on track against Wales in Cardiff.
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Wales' home advantage will be negated by a series of injuries, as Celtic full-back Adam Matthews has been ruled out of the Scotland clash. Craig Bellamy and James Collins are also unavailable for the game, with Neil Taylor, Dave Edwards, Jack Collison and goalkeepers Boaz Myhill and Wayne Hennessey out for Wales' next game against Croatia as well.
Wales manager Chris Coleman does, however, still have some fine talent at his disposal, with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey both fit to play. They will be boosted by the fact that they have a superb record over the Scots - having lost to them in Cardiff only once in 50 years.
Their opponents, meanwhile, will be boosted by the return of Darren Fletcher and Steven Fletcher to the national team. The Manchester United man had been suffering from a virus which kept him out for 11 months, but he will start for and captain the Scots. Manager Craig Levein said: "When Sir Alex thinks Darren is capable of starting, that tells me he's back to the point where he is capable of playing in any situation.
”He has played some big games for Manchester United since he came back. I’ve been in constant contact with him for the last year or so and I feel he’s ready to go.
Steven Fletcher, meanwhile, had ended his feud with Levein to return to the squad, but it is not known whether he will start or not, despite Scotland’s lack of options up front. Levein is also waiting on the fitness of Celtic captain Scott Brown, as well as James Forrest and Andy Webster, all of whom will undergo late fitness tests. Robert Snodgrass is definitely out for the game, with Kris Commons expected to start in his stead.
Match Date/Time: 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
TV: Sky Sports 1\HD, Sky Sports 3D (U.K.)
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