Wales talking points

Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of the talking points ahead of a new campaign.

MOMENTUM

Can Wales use the momentum of an incredible summer as a springboard to make the World Cup finals in Russia in 2018? Wales were swept along on a tide of national emotion to reach the semi-finals at Euro 2016 - the country's best ever performance at a major tournament. The Welsh hierarchy put football before finance to stay at the intimidating Cardiff City Stadium rather than move home games to the 74,500-capacity Principality Stadium. They hope to be rewarded by keeping the buzz in Welsh football going.

BALE FORCE

Unity got Wales to the last four in France, but Gareth Bale's importance to the cause cannot be under-estimated. Bale might have lost the label of the world's most expensive player to Paul Pogba this summer, but he became the first player since 2004 to score in every group game at the Euros and has started the season well at Real Madrid. If Wales are to make it to Russia, Bale must remain injury-free and reproduce the form which brought him seven goals in Euro 2016 qualifying.

RAMSEY ABSENCE

For all Bale's goals and grace in France, Arsenal playmaker Aaron Ramsey was almost certainly Wales' best player at the tournament. Ramsey's running power, vision and an eye for a goal drove Wales forward and his presence in the semi-final against Portugal was sorely missed after he picked up a suspension. Two months on and a hamstring injury robs Wales of Ramsey's influence with Andy King his most likely deputy. Although not a like-for-like replacement, the Leicester Premier League winner has the ability to make an impact.

FRONTING UP

Hal Robson-Kanu's failure to find a new club until transfer deadline day has provided Wales manager Chris Coleman with a selection headache. Robson-Kanu was a Euro 2016 hit with two goals, including his Cruyff turn stunner against Belgium, and his ability to hold up the ball and bring others into the game. But Robson-Kanu remained a free agent until joining West Brom on transfer deadline day and has not played this season. So Sam Vokes is likely to get the nod to after his impressive start to the season at Burnley.

BANANA SKIN

Those with long memories of Welsh football will remember those 'rolled over in Moldova' headlines. Moldova's national team had only been in existence for a few years following the break-up of the old Soviet Union when Wales were humbled 3-2 in a European Championship qualifier in October 1994. Wales might have exacted revenge in Cardiff nearly a year later, but the Eastern Europeans should not be taken lightly, even if they are ranked 165 in the world - a whopping 154 places below Wales.