Key analysis: Wales target World Cup success but first clash is vital

The country's only previous World Cup finals appearance was in 1958, where they were defeated by Pele's Brazil in the quarters.

With Gareth Bale (33) the most relevant example right now, Wales have produced a number of football superstars over the years.

Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, Neville Southall, Gary Speed, Mark Hughes, John Toshack and Craig Bellamy are some of the more notable former stars.

Of the current crop, Bale, Aaron Ramsey (31), Chris Gunter (33) and Wayne Hennessey (35) are the most senior - an incredible 398 international caps between them.

Bale, Ramsey, Daniel James (25), Harry Wilson (25), Ben Davies (29), Joe Rodon (25) and Brennan Johnson (21) are among the most exciting talents Wales have to offer going into the World Cup this year.

Wales are yet to win a game since qualifying - losing four times and earning just the one draw during a miserable Nations League campaign.

To be fair to the Dreigiau, they were grouped with Belgium, Netherlands and Poland, and had a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine wedged between two Nations League fixtures.

Results in the qualifiers were a lot more promising, though - between spring last year and this summer - with wins over the Czech Republic, Belarus, Estonia, Austria and the aforementioned Ukraine.

Weaknesses

Over the last 12 months, Wales have played nine times and won just twice. They've drawn two times and lost the others.

In those two victories, Wales have failed to win by more than one goal - defeating Austria 2-1 and Ukraine 1-0 - which is almost certainly a cause for concern.

There exists a heavy reliance on Bale, who created all three of those goals, bagging a brace against Austria and whipping in a free-kick that was turned into Ukraine's own net by Andriy Yarmolenko (33). That overreliance could be disastrous as the former Real Madrid talisman isn't 100 per cent fit.

Strengths

Having Bale in Wales' squad is certainly a double-edged sword; while they do often rely on him, it's understandable as he is an undeniable superstar, even if his shine has somewhat faded over the last couple of years.

Elsewhere, Wales enjoy a wealth of pace on the wings. From James to Wilson and Neco Williams (21) to Connor Roberts (27), it allows the more technical stars - Joe Allen (32), Ramsey, Bale, et al - to position themselves in a way that maximises their influence. Basically, allowing the young guns to do most of the tough leg work.

There is also the top-level experience of Aaron Ramsey to consider. Similarly to Bale, he is a key cog in the Welsh machine and can make things happen on the pitch.

Ideal XI

Hennessey; Davies, Rodon, Ampadu, Roberts, Williams; Allen, Ramsey; Bale, James, Moore

While not his typical position historically, Wales may look to utilise Bale as a central attacker. It's a position he's played at his current club, Los Angeles FC, and an area of the pitch where he does have experience.

With Wilson waiting in the wings, it could prove to be a positive move for the attack. A more typical front three for Wales would see Bale on the right, James on the left and Kieffer Moore (30) in the middle - which is likely the preferred line-up.

Ramsey and Allen are the de facto midfield pairing for Wales, with the latter perhaps needing to prove his fitness after recovering from an injury.

Wales often like to play with a back five, with Davies, Ethan Ampadu (22) and Williams three names that will feature heavily. Joe Rodon would be expected to be in the middle of the five, with Williams one of the marauding wing-backs.

The left side of defence has been tricky in the past, but Williams has featured there before with Roberts filling in for the former Liverpool right-back on the opposite side.

Hottest contest

The biggest internal battle will probably be that third spot up top. James and Bale are nailed-on to start when fit, but there are several players who could complete the trio.

Wilson would be a smart choice if Bale plays centrally, but Moore or Johnson would be the more natural selection if Bale plays out wide.

With the LAFC forward not completely fit and firing, there could be room for any of the two aforementioned names to start alongside James in a three.

Prediction

Wales are grouped with neighbours England as well as USA and Iran. The Three Lions are favourites to top Group B, but second place is surely up for grabs.

Iran would be expected to go no further, but USA have a young squad worthy of being feared.

Wales need to ensure nothing less than a victory against Iran to stand a chance of progressing, with England and USA likely to do the same.

It's not impossible that the Dreigiau get a result against England, but it will be - by far - the toughest game in the group.

Therefore, avoiding defeat against USA is just as important as ensuring victory against Iran.

In theory, a win over USA on November 21st would go a long way to seeing Wales through to the next round.

Wales' full squad:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies

Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts

Midfielders: Sorba Thomas, Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Harry Wilson, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Aaron Ramsey, Rubin Colwill

Forwards: Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Dan James