Wales will aim to maintain their unbeaten start in the UEFA Nations League as they travel to Reykjavik on Friday night to face Iceland, a team they have historically had the upper hand against. With both teams keen to secure crucial points in Group B, this matchup promises to be an intriguing contest.
Match Preview:
Iceland has had a mixed start to their 2024-25 Nations League campaign, following up a 2-0 win against Montenegro with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Turkey. Under the guidance of manager Age Hareide, Iceland has struggled with consistency, alternating between victories and losses in their last six international matches. With aspirations to finish at the top of League B and return to League A, Iceland’s performance against Wales will be pivotal as they look to build momentum ahead of a critical match against Turkey next week.
Historically, Iceland has struggled against Wales, managing just one victory in their last six encounters. Their last meeting resulted in a 3-1 defeat for Iceland in a friendly match in March 2014. Wales, currently sitting second in Group B with four points from two matches, are keen to capitalize on their unbeaten start, having drawn 0-0 with Turkey before securing a 2-1 win over Montenegro, thanks to early goals from Kieffer Moore and Harry Wilson.
Team News:
Iceland:
Iceland welcomes back defender Sverrir Ingi Ingason, who is set to compete for a starting spot in a reshuffled backline. Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has returned to form after a lengthy absence from football, is expected to play a key role in the midfield. The 35-year-old’s experience will be vital as Iceland looks to find the net against a Welsh side that has proved tough to break down.
Possible Iceland starting lineup:
Valdimarsson; Sampsted, Hermansson, Ingason, Finnsson; Anderson, Gudmundsson, Thordarson, Thorsteinsson; Sigurdsson; Oksarsson
Wales:
Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has made notable inclusions to his squad, with Joe Allen returning from retirement and Rhys Norrington-Davies getting a call-up after a lengthy injury layoff. Key midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu are unavailable due to injuries, but the attacking trio of Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore, and Harry Wilson will look to provide the firepower needed to secure an away victory.
Possible Wales starting lineup:
Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Wilson, Allen, Cooper, Koumas; Johnson; Moore
Prediction:
While Wales enters this match with confidence and a stronger FIFA ranking (29th compared to Iceland’s 71st), Iceland’s home advantage cannot be underestimated. They have shown resilience at home, winning three and drawing one of their last four matches on home soil. However, Wales will be optimistic about their chances, given their recent form and squad depth.
Prediction: Iceland 1-1 Wales
This tight contest is likely to end in a stalemate, with both teams taking a point that would keep them in the race for promotion in Group B.
