Slovakia V Wales
Thursday 10 October 2019 – 19:45 Kick-Off
Euro 2020 Qualifier
Pick: Slovakia to Win
Odds: 29/20
Bookmaker: Bet365
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/5 | 43/20 | 43/20 |
* (All betting odds displayed were correct as of 8 October 2019 at 11:30)
Preview: Group E is proving ultra competitive, with as many as four countries vying for two automatic qualification spots. Wales, who go into this fixture in fourth, are three points adrift of Slovakia in second, but the former have played a game less and could eradicate that deficit entirely with victory in the Slovakian capital of Trnava.
Euro 2020 Qualifying Betting – 22Bet
Slovakia Preview
Results in Group E: Hungary 2-0 (H), Wales 1-0 (A), Azerbaijan 1-5 (A), Croatia 0-4 (H), Hungary 1-2 (A)
The Falcons maintained their inconsistent approach to Euro 2020 Qualifying by recording a 2-1 victory in Hungary last time out, alternating between winning and losing for all five fixtures thus far. So, if true to form, we can expect a brisk return to losing ways – but, then again, this is a fixture Slovakia will feel they have every right to be winning, versus a Wales team with fewer points on the board and successive away defeats to its name.
Furthermore, Slovakia would end their previous qualifying campaign, which was for the 2018 World Cup, with some very impressive numbers at home. Only the highest ranked country in their section, England, would defeat them on their own patch (W4 L1) as they recorded victories against Lithuania, Malta, Scotland and Slovenia, all without even conceding a goal. It has been a similar story in the current campaign, with Croatia thrashing them 4-0 but Hungary routinely beaten 2-0.
However, Slovakia will be very aware of how poor their head-to-head record versus Wales is, having lost three of only four previous encounters (W1 L3). The most recent of those back in March, in this very group, but it was a fairly even contest in which both sides created some chances. Now back at home, coach Pavel Hapal will be confident of his team’s ability to produce a more clinical display, where Slovakia have scored at least once in eleven of their last twelve contests.
Wales Preview
Results in Group E: Slovakia 1-0 (H), Croatia 2-1 (A), Hungary 1-0 (A), Azerbaijan 2-1 (H)
In a serious spot of bother, Wales essentially know that another defeat would in all likelihood rule them out of contention for a top two finish in Group E. The appointment of Ryan Giggs as manager has not really had the desired affect, with the former Manchester United legend unable to alter the fortunes of his national side who have found both goals and picking up results, particularly away from home, incredibly challenging.
The situation would have been a lot more dire were it not for Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid forward would spare Welsh blushes with an 84th-minute winner at home to Azerbaijan only last month. It was a crucial win, one that just about keeps them in qualifying contention in fourth position in the group (W2 L2), three points off the automatic qualification positions. It was also the first occasion in eleven matches in which they managed to score more than a single goal in any fixture.
Now they must achieve another feat they have seldom managed of late: winning away. Their last six such contests have seen them prevail as winners on only one occasion (W1 D1 L4) – in a 1-0 defeat of Ireland during the recent Nations League tournament. They would fail to even score in four of those. More prevalent were trips to Croatia (L2-1) and Hungary (L1-0) during this campaign, which both proved fruitless.
Slovakia V Wales Key Facts:
- Slovakia have won three of their five Euro 2020 Qualifying matches thus far and currently sit second in Group E (W3 D0 L2).
- Wales have an even record in Euro 2020 Qualifying after four matches completed, with two wins and two defeats – though both defeats were away.
- This will be only a fifth-ever meeting between these two nations, with Wales winning the previous three including earlier in this campaign in Cardiff (1-0).
Betting Summary
Slovakia will know that if they are to qualify, victory at home to Wales is imperative. There are too many teams in contention in this section for points to be dropped in such eminently winnable fixtures such as this. Their recent record at home is encouraging, however: two losses in the last twelve such games (W9 D1 L2). Losing to Croatia earlier in the campaign ended a three-match winning streak on home soil.
Wales are in must-not-lose territory, because defeat would almost certainly leave them with too much work to do in what is a very competitive section. Successive defeats in their two away group games thus far, in Croatia (2-1) and Hungary (1-0), coupled with the their woeful form in front of goal – scoring more than once on one occasion in their past eleven matches – hints at further disappointment.
Slovakia are deservedly favourites. The only surprise is the price. The hosts are much more accustomed to winning in front of their home supporters, which is the complete opposite for Wales who have lost four of their last six away contests and continue to find goals elusive.
