On Monday, Wales will welcome Montenegro to Cardiff City Stadium in a crucial clash of the UEFA Nations League, where the Dragons will be looking to secure a vital win as they chase promotion from League B Group 4.
Match Preview:
Wales come into this match after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Iceland, where they squandered a two-goal lead. Goals from Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson had put the Dragons in control, but they were unable to maintain their advantage as Iceland equalized through an inspired second-half performance. Despite the disappointment of dropping points, Wales remains in contention for promotion, sitting third in the group with five points, just two behind leaders Turkey.
Under new head coach Craig Bellamy, Wales has shown resilience, achieving a solid start to their campaign with a win against Montenegro in their last meeting. With crucial matches against Turkey and Iceland coming up next month, a win against Montenegro would put them in a strong position heading into the final fixtures.
Montenegro, on the other hand, is struggling and sits at the bottom of Group 4 without a single point. Following a 1-0 defeat to Turkey, they are on a five-match losing streak, which is their worst run since becoming an independent nation. With a four-point gap to third-placed Iceland, Montenegro faces a critical situation if they hope to avoid relegation to League C.
The historical context favors Wales, who have had mixed results against Montenegro in previous encounters but will be aiming to build on their recent victory. Montenegro will need to find a way to turn their fortunes around if they wish to avoid further disappointment.
Team News:
Wales: Wales will be without key players Brennan Johnson and Jordan James due to suspension, along with Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, and captain Aaron Ramsey. Joe Allen could make a return to the starting lineup in light of these absences, while David Brooks and Josh Sheehan are also in contention. Harry Wilson, who has been in excellent form, will support lone striker Kieffer Moore.
Possible Wales Starting Lineup: Ward; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Sheehan, Cooper; Burns, Wilson, Thomas; Moore
Montenegro: Montenegro captain Stevan Jovetic is expected to lead the attack alongside Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic. Despite their struggles to score, they will retain their front line as they search for points. Stefan Savic remains sidelined due to injury, which has been a significant blow to their defensive setup.
Possible Montenegro Starting Lineup: Mijatovic; Marusic, Vujacic, Sipcic, Radunovic; Bakic, Vukotic, Jankovic; Krstovic, Camaj; Jovetic
Prediction:
Wales has shown promise under new management, and despite some absences, they have the firepower to overcome Montenegro, who have struggled throughout the group stage. Given their recent home performance against Turkey and Montenegro’s ongoing woes, Wales is favored to secure the win.
Prediction: Wales 3-1 Montenegro
Expect a determined display from the Dragons as they aim to capitalize on their home advantage and keep their promotion hopes alive. With the pressure on Montenegro, Wales should be well-positioned to take all three points in this crucial fixture.
