Wales saw their chances of qualifying all but go up in smoke at the weekend in their live match with Germany. However, in the midweek game they must show character and determination as they visit Slovakia who will be in confident mood having earned a draw against both their rivals Ireland at the weekend.

Unfortunately, for John Toshack his talisman captain Craig Bellamy will most likely be missing again due to his daughter being ill in hospital. As people who watch football live have seen, Craig Bellamy gives a great deal to the Welsh side in passion and commitment. Without his influence the Welsh players just do not have the attacking creativity or chances. Expect Carl Robinson and Freddy Eastwood to start up front again as the Welsh look to play for pride alone in this live football match.

Slovakia will be hoping to keep their very slim chances alive with another performance as last weekend, which saw them earn an unexpected draw. Finishing in fourth place in the table for a team who have a very limited history may be seen as a success for them. Manager Jan Kocian will again be without striker Robert Vittek who may be out for a lengthy period following surgery on his knees.

Nuremberg striker Marek Mintal will once again see a great deal of responsibility placed on his shoulders to secure the victory as he has outshone the strikers so far in the qualifying games. Both teams will not need reminding of the result last year which saw Slovakia put 5 goals past Wales at the Millennium Stadium. How sweet for Toshack and his players if they could take the points on this return leg. After all, they have little pressure on them now to interfere with their play and indeed are now playing for pride.