Wales have everything to play for on Tuesday night in the UEFA Nations League. They start their evening in Cardiff in second place in Group B but can still grab top spot if things go their way. Here we preview Wales vs Iceland on Tuesday, November 19th from Cardiff City Stadium.
How the bookies view it: Wales backed to do the job
Wales, who have looked rejuvenated under the guidance of Craig Bellamy, are the strong 4/6 odds-on favourites to win this match on home turf. The crowd could certainly play its part in helping them get over the line. Iceland, who are playing to avoid relegation concerns, are 5/1 underdogs.
Recent head-to-head: Wales unbeaten in five
There was a 2-2 draw between the two nations earlier in the group, which extended Wales’ unbeaten streak of form against Iceland to five. Wales have won their last three on home turf against Iceland, the most recent of those being a 2014 friendly. Overall, Wales hold a W5 D2 L1 record against Iceland.
Players to watch: Wilson to prove vital for Dragons again?
Harry Wilson has netted two of the last three goals that Wales have scored in the Nations League. The Dragons don’t really have a big outlet up top, so support from the midfield is probably going to be crucial for their chances on Tuesday night, and Wilson is the 11/4 anytime goalscorer favourite for the fixture.
Orri Oskarsson has been having a very good campaign in front of goal for Iceland and looks like their big threat. Iceland aren’t short of an attacking power overall, having scored exactly two goals in four of their five Nations League group matches in this campaign.
Predicted Lineups
Wales have had to rely on some depth for this international break after losing the likes of Kieffer Moore, Wes Burns and Owen Beck. Oxford United striker Mark Harris started on the weekend against Turkey but picked up a big head injury so is a doubt. Iceland have lost full-back Logi Tomasson to suspension, and their captain Aron Gunnarsson picked up a knock in their last match and came off early.
Wales possible starting lineup: Darlow; Roberts, Mepham, Davies, Williams; J. James, Sheehan; D. James, Wilson, Thomas; Johnson
Iceland possible starting lineup: Valdimarsson; Lunddal, Palsson, Ingason, Sampsted; Gudmundsson, Traustason, Johannesson, Thorsteinsson; Gudjohnsen, Oskarsson
Anything else catches the eye?
A quick turnaround in matches for these two with a lot at stake. Wales can still win the group with a victory and a loss for Turkey against Montenegro, which doesn’t look too likely. A win for the Dragons will at least lock in a spot in the promotion play-offs, but if they are beaten, they go to the relegation play-offs with Iceland jumping up into second.
So there is a thin line here, and Iceland realistically need to win a lot more than the Dragons do. Iceland beat Montenegro 2-0 on the weekend, while Wales put in a dogged display to earn a 0-0 draw away in Turkey. Wales are lightweight up front, averaging a goal per game in this campaign, and Iceland in contrast have scored nine so are the bigger attacking threat.
But to balance that out, Wales have a far superior defensive record to that of their opponents. This could be a nervous night for the Dragons in Cardiff, but they have to be bold and back themselves on a big night, and the crowd should help tremendously.
This UEFA Nations League match between Wales and Iceland will be played on Nov 19, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Wales vs Iceland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
