WALES begin their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on Sunday against Sloavkia. Gaurav Chaddah (@Gchaddahjourno) looks for the best betting angles.
Wales v Slovakia | Sunday 24th March 2019, 14:00 | Sky Sports
It’s been little over a year since Ryan Giggs took charge of the Welsh national team and Sunday will see him oversee first ever qualifying game as he seeks to get Wales to the 2020 European Championships.
Giggs’ men warmed up for Sunday’s task with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, courtesy of a late goal from Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn. It must be said that Giggs did rotate his side in preparation for this game and with a stronger line-up expected, a stronger performance should follow.
Unlike their opponents, Slovakia began their campaign on Thursday, with a 2-0 victory over Hungary at home, which will bring confidence to the away side for their trip to Cardiff.
A concern for the visitors is there horrendous away form. The Slovaks haven’t won a game on their travels since June 2017 in a run that has saw them lose six of there last seven away matches.
A mixed bag under Giggs
It’s been a mix bag for Giggs since taking charge and he’ll be under no illusions of the task in-hand. Giggs will be fully aware of his remit to make sure Wales qualify for next year’s championship following the disappointment of missing out on last year’s World Cup.
Under his leadership, Wales have won two and lost two of their four home matches. A 4-1 hammering of the Republic of Ireland in September was the most impressive display of his reign but the hosts did suffer a defeat of the same scoreline to Spain in October and went down 2-1 to Denmark in November.
After this, Wales take on World Cup finalists Croatia and then Hungary so already it’s a must win game if they are to have any chance of qualification.
Meanwhile, in contrast to Slovakia, Wales have had an extra day’s break, haven’t had to travel and are expected to make several changes from Wednesday’s win.
The Betting Angle
Wales have hardly been vintage since their heroic run to the semi-finals in France in 2016 and face a tough task again to qualify for next summer, but it’s imperative they take three points here and use home advantage.
Slovakia’s away record is concerning, having lost to the likes of Morocco and Scotland since they last won on their travels.
Under Giggs, the Welsh have come unstuck at home to superior opponents but dismantled Ireland back in September and I feel they should be strong enough here, with the likes of Gareth Bale set to come back too.
I can’t ignore the generous odds-against on offer here, with Bet365 going 21/20 on Wales to win, which looks the best bet.
Best Bets
Wales v Slovakia – Wales to win (21/20 Bet365)
