Iceland vs Wales Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Only a point separates these two nations in the standings after matchday two, and for this game, we don’t see anything separating the two sides in Craig Bellamy’s third game in charge.

Wales have been slightly more resolute defensively under Craig Bellamy, having only conceded once in their first two competitive games under the tenure of the former Cardiff City man. Craig Bellamy has led his new regime to four points from six from the opening two games - with the opening game seen as a missed opportunity as Turkey were down to ten men.

Wales have lost only once in their previous five away games - although, in context, the record is two wins, two draws and one loss. Iceland's home form will cause Wales concern, as the hosts have won three of their previous five home fixtures, drawing once and losing the remaining game.

For this game, as mentioned we are expecting a tough game for both sides. We will likely be looking at a draw, with Craig Bellamy’s side remaining unbeaten.

Iceland 1-1 Wales.

Craig Bellamy leads the Wales national side into their third game of the Nations League, looking to build on their progress thus far. Wales face an Iceland side, who are only a point behind the Dragons after two games played.

Date: 11/10/2024
Location: Laugardalsvollur
Kick-Off: 7.45 pm

Iceland have made a solid yet uninspiring start to their UEFA Nations League campaign in a tightly poised group after two games. Iceland are one point behind Turkey and their opponents Wales, with an opportunity to move into the promotion places with a win against Craig Bellamy’s side. Iceland began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Montenegro, thanks to goals from Orri Steinn Oskarsson and Jon Dagur Porteinsson. In their second game against Turkey, they were overmatched mainly by superior opposition. Victor Palsson scored for Iceland, although a three-goal haul from Kerem Akturkoglu means Palsson’s goal was in vain.

Following the departure of Rob Page, after a disappointing end to their qualification campaign for the European Championships, the Welsh Football Association opted to move for former Wales international and current coach at Burnley, Craig Bellamy. In his first two games in charge, his leadership has brought about two positive performances and four points from a possible six for the Dragons. In Wales's opening Nations League game, they were held to a 0-0 draw against Turkey - despite Turkey being reduced to ten men. The second game brought much success for Craig Bellamy. Two goals in the first five minutes - one from Kieffer Moore and one from Harry Wilson - took the wind from Montenegro’s sails and secured the first three points for Wales and Craig Bellamy.

The only recent meeting between the two sides took place in 2014 where Wales were 3-1 winners thanks to goals from James Collins, Sam Vokes and Gareth Bale.

The game will be available to view on BBC I-Player.

Predicted Iceland Eleven: Valdirmarsson, Palsson, Hermannsson, Gretarsson, Finnsson, Anderson, Gudmundsson, Pordarson, Porsteinsson, Sigurdsson, Gudjohnsen.

Brennan Johnson may be due to miss out because of an injury he sustained in Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Predicted Wales Eleven: Ward, Williams, Rodon, Davies, Roberts, Mepham, Ampadu, Cooper, Kouman, Wilson, Moore.

The history between the two teams favours Craig Bellamy’s side. The two nations have only met on seven occasions in their entire history, with Wales coming out on top with five wins, one draw and one loss from seven. The two have met four times in a competitive aspect, with Wales winning twice, drawing once and losing only once.

Iceland’s overall form is a mixed bag, with three wins from their last six games and two competitive victories in their previous four competitive outings. Their most recent victory was the win over Montenegro. More importantly, they recorded a 1-0 victory over England at Wembley to make it two consecutive victories over the Three Lions for the Iceland national team.

Iceland's home form will cause Wales concern, as the hosts have won three of their previous five home fixtures, drawing once and losing the remaining game. Iceland are also unbeaten in their last four home games with three wins and a draw - with two clean sheets in their last three on home soil.

Wales have lost only once in their previous five away games - although, in context, the record is two wins, two draws and one loss. Overall, Wales are in mixed form dating back to the era under Rob Page, where the Dragons have only won twice in their previous six games, despite the upturn in form under Craig Bellamy.

The most recent away fixture for Wales, was the 2-1 win over Montenegro, although in their last ten games away from home, they have won only twice - suffering three consecutive defeats against Belgium, Poland and the Netherlands.

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