by Callum Ellis
Date: Tuesday 12th June (19:00)
Venue: Newport Stadium, Newport
WALES Women will be hoping to take another step closer to next year’s World Cup when they host Russia at Newport Stadium this evening.
Wales could return to the top of Group One with a victory, which would set up a mouth-watering fixture against England in their final qualifying match.
Phil Neville’s Lionesses reclaimed first place in the group following their 3-1 victory over Russia in Moscow on Friday evening.
Jayne Ludlow is expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from after Thursday’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Liberty Stadium.
Ludlow’s side still boast the best defensive record in their group having not conceded a goal in their qualifying campaign.
Record goalscorer Helen Ward is set to make her 80th appearance in Newport following her return to the starting line-up against Bosnia.
Wales were held to a goalless draw in Saint Petersburg when they met with Russia earlier in the campaign.
Sergei Lavrentyev’s Russia side currently sit third in Group One and trail Wales by seven points, though they have played a game less.
Newport Stadium will play host to a sell-out crowd after the Football Association of Wales announced 1,200 tickets have been purchased for the clash.
Wales currently occupy fourth place in the ranking of second-placed teams, meaning they will have a chance of advancing to next year’s tournament via the play-offs if they fail to qualify automatically.
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