Russia v Wales preview: Gareth Bale looks to lead Wales to last 16

Wales can seal a spot in the Euro 2016 knockout stages when they take on Russia in their final Group F game at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse, but talisman Gareth Bale is wary of the threat posed by a wounded and winless Russia.

A late Daniel Sturridge goal condemned Wales to defeat in the crunch encounter with neighbours England on Thursday, but a 2-1 in their opening match against Slovakia means that Chris Coleman's side are still in a good position to qualify for the round of 16.

Russia need a win against Wales to avoid a group-stage exit from the tournament. Leonid Slutsky's injury-hit team frustrated England in their opening game to snatch a late point, but were outclassed by Slovakia in a 2-1 defeat on Wednesday to leave them rooted to the bottom of Group B.

Even a win over the Welsh may not guarantee progression for Slutsky's side, although four points would likely be enough to see Russia go through as one of the best third-place teams.

Wales forward Gareth Bale has scored in both matches at the tournament so far, but struggled to influence the game in open play against England and is well aware that he is in for another tough game.

"Obviously we know Russia are a great team - they're here on merit and it's going to be a very difficult game, but we'll be going in there full of confidence trying to win and trying to progress," Bale said.

"We're a very hardworking team, we always have been, and that's what we base our success on. As long as we keep the right attitude, the right work rate up, I believe we have a very good chance."

Team news

Wales lost Joe Ledley midway through the second half against England due to a tight calf, but the Crystal Palace midfielder - who only returned to full fitness from a broken leg last week - says he is ready and available to play Russia.

Reports suggest that Coleman will pick the same starting XI that began the game against England.

Russia's injury list continues to build, with Zenit St Petersburg's Oleg Shatov struggling with a groin injury. The winger is unlikely to be available for the game, with lively Krasnodar attacking midfielder Pavel Mamayev expected to start.

Paul Merson's prediction

"I'm going for a draw in this one, which will be enough for Wales if England win. Russia have been very poor.

"I was disappointed with the Welsh against England, but they still have the x-factor of Gareth Bale. If he can come up with one moment of magic it should be enough to get them through to the last 16."

PAUL PREDICTS: A 1-1 draw

Opta stats

Russia have won each of the last three meetings with Wales, outscoring them by six goals to two in that run.

Russia have qualified for the knockout stages of the European Championships only once in four attempts.

Russia have won only one of their last seven internationals (D2 L4) - a 3-0 victory against Lithuania back in March.

Russia's last three goals at European Championships have all been headers.

Wales have scored with their opening shot on target in each of their first two games at Euro 2016; both were direct free-kicks from Gareth Bale.

Since the start of qualification, Gareth Bale has scored or assisted 11 of Wales' 14 goals in competitive games.

Betting

Russia are Sky Bet's 6/4 favourites to claim the win they desperately need to keep their hopes of qualification alive while Wales are 2/1 for all three points, with the draw priced at 11/5.

here are six Price Boosts ahead of the clash including Bale to score outside the area at 8/1 (was 6/1) and Aaron Ramsey to score first at 9/1 (was 7/1). Bale is also favourite to net the opening goal at 4/1 while Russia's Artem Dzyuba is next in the running at 9/2.