Euro 2020: Wales Set to Enter the Falcon’s Den

Wales vs Slovakia

The Euro 2020 qualifiers are back this week as Ryan Giggs’ Wales heads to Slovakia in search of a much needed win.

It’s not exactly last chance saloon for the Welsh, but a defeat will probably mean we won’t see them in the Euro 2020 betting tips or SBOBET football pages for much longer! They sit second bottom of Group E, three points behind Slovakia in second place, so Giggs’ message to his team is that a win will transform their prospects overnight.

The Euro 2020 results in Group E opened up with a Wales victory over the Falcons so they can take hope, but they’ll need plenty of stomach to survive in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere at the Stadion Antona Malatinsenko. The hosts are hoping to return to tournament finals having reached the knockout phase at France 2016, and they perform best in front of their own passionate fans.

Wales have a game in hand, but a defeat in Slovakia and a six point gap would make life very difficult indeed.

Talking Points

Euro 2020: Martin Dubravka kept a clean sheet against Manchester United — Martin Dubravka during warm up of Newcastle United’s match against Manchester United

Wales ready for a hot reception

Slovakia were threatened with Stadium closure for this game but won their appeal against being forced to play behind closed doors, and that is a huge boost for the Falcons. The threat of sanction arose after Slovakian fans were seen to be making racist chants in the recent game against Hungary, but they have escaped with a reduced £13,000 fine.

The 19,000 capacity stadium will be packed with fans desperately hoping their team can win. The Falcons reached the 2016 Euro finals and qualification for 2020 is within their grasp, but it’s a competitive group, also containing World Cup finalists Croatia.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka faced one of his likely opponents in the Premier League last Sunday, when his Newcastle side faced Manchester United, including their flying Welsh winger Daniel James. That the Geordies won and Dubravka kept a clean sheet will have given the stopper no end of confidence

And he will likely have the protection of ex Liverpool centre back Martin Skrtl at the heart of Slovakia’s defence. Meanwhile, the creative skill of skipper Marek Hamsik, who now plays for Dalian Yifang, is sure to give the Wales defence plenty to think about.

Giggs gambles on Lawrence

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UEFA EURO 2020

The Wales boss has admitted it was a hard decision to include Derby County forward Tom Lawrence in his squad, after the 25 year old was charged with drink driving after a club night out in September. He was in a crash which put an end to Derby captain Richard Keogh’s season; but with winger David Brookes already ruled out for this game, and some concern over Juventus’ Aaron Ramsay’s fitness Giggs’ hand has been forced.

Lawrence is a talented player, but I expect him to start on the bench while Welsh hopes will rely on their talisman Gareth Bale, as well as emerging Manchester United star James. In an exciting attack, these two alongside Harry Wilson and with supply coming from Joe Allan could prosper if Slovakia allow them enough space.

History

James scored the only goal in the opening Euro 2020 qualifying fixture to give Wales a victory over Thursday’s opponents, and he has made an impressive start to life at Old Trafford after a summer switch from Swansea City. Giggs hopes he has another world star to add to his ranks alongside Ramsay and Bale.

Wales and Slovakia’s fortunes have differed since the opening clash. The Dragons have lost away to Hungary and Croatia, before beating Azerbaijan at home. Meanwhile Slovakia has beaten both Azerbaijan and Hungary, while losing to Croatia.

The head to heads are in Wales’ favour with three wins to one and a goal difference of nine to eight.

Both teams have won four from six, losing the other two, and while the Falcons have failed to beat Wales on the last three occasions, they have won the last three games on home soil, while Wales have lost the last three away.

Betting Tip

	Wales vs Slovakia	Over 2.00 goals @ 1.86
	October 11, 02:45 (GMT+8)

With Slovakia at 2.46, the draw at 3.05 and Wales at 2.89 this is building up to be a fascinating clash. In a red hot atmosphere Slovakia will have the advantage and it will be hard for Wales, but the visitors can’t afford to sit back as they really need a win. And that should make it an open game.

All of Slovakia’s last four games have yielded over 2.5 goals, while two of Wales’ last four have featured three goals, and I can see another three here.