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Key battles

Image: Gareth Bale: Wales star will be a key man against Scotland

We cast an eye over three men from Wales and Scotland who are likely to play vital roles in Cardiff.

Three encounters which could decide Wales v Scotland clash

As Wales and Scotland prepare to go head-to-head in Cardiff, we look at three contests which could decide the World Cup qualifier.
JOE LEDLEY v SCOTT BROWN
The Celtic midfielders have both had fitness issues to contend with in recent weeks but seem destined to start given the energy, drive and skill they provide. Brown, who has an ongoing hip problem, was a major loss to Scotland in the draws against Serbia and Macedonia and his appearance would add some much-needed verve. Ledley, with 41 caps, is among the more experienced Wales players and his consistency with Celtic makes him an obvious threat.
GARETH BALE v ALAN HUTTON
Bale is the undisputed main threat in a Welsh team struggling for confidence. The Tottenham wide player has the pace and ability to undo any team on his own and will face a right-back who is without a club appearance this season after being frozen out at Aston Villa. Hutton has the speed needed to face Bale but his lack of match fitness coupled with his occasional lapses in concentration could give his former Spurs team-mate an opening.
ASHLEY WILLIAMS v STEVEN FLETCHER
Newly-appointed Wales captain Williams faces a familiar foe in Sunderland striker Fletcher, who has scored three goals in two games against the centre-back's Swansea team. Much is expected of Fletcher after his two-year international exile came to an end following peace talks with manager Craig Levein. But the 25-year-old could not be in better form, his five goals in September earning him the Barclays Premier League player of the month award.

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