North Macedonia vs Wales Prediction - World Cup Qual.
Scott Thornton provides his North Macedonia vs Wales prediction preview as Europe’s World Cup qualifiers continue.
The Welsh made a winning start to their campaign against Kazakhstan in Cardiff but this one should prove to be a tougher test. Craig Bellamy is unbeaten in seven matches in charge of his country but success depends on whether or not they can qualify for next year’s World Cup.
North Macedonia beat Liechtenstein, the lowest-ranked team in the group, 3-0 in their opening match. Following that up with a home win over Wales would put them in good stead.
North Macedonia vs Wales Prediction: Momentum Building Under Bellamy
Europe, World Cup Qualifiers, Tuesday , March 25th, 19:45 (UK)
Wales topped their group in the Nations League, which has effectively guaranteed them a playoff place in World Cup qualifying. Therefore, finishing 1st, ahead of both Belgium and North Macedonia is their aim in this qualifying group. This would grant them automatic qualification to next year’s tournament. Tuesday night’s trip to Skopje will be one of the defining fixtures of the group.
The Welsh are the slight favourites to win this game despite North Macedonia having a home advantage. Under Bellamy, they have looked far more accomplished in possession. Wales’ seven matches in the new regime have seen them average 58.71% of the ball. The team will look to play on the front foot once again and they have the players to hurt their opponents.
Dan James was the standout player in the 3-1 win over Kazakhstan. The winger scored their opening goal and looked dangerous throughout. Sorba Thomas, who started on the left flank, was also a thorn in the side of the Kazakh defence. Since Bellamy took charge, Wales have looked dangerous in wide areas and this has helped them score an average of 1.71 goals per game, 0.57 more than they scored in the seven matches prior to the managerial change.
Wales’ defence has also looked strong of late. Kazakhstan’s goal came from a penalty that was the result of a handball. The visitors managed just one other shot on target. The Welsh are conceding just 0.71 goals per game in their last seven, which bodes well ahead of this clash.
North Macedonia are also in good form. They have won their last six matches but Wales represent a step up in quality. All of their opponents on that run of victories are ranked 100th or lower in the world. The Welsh are currently 29th. Macedonia have lost their last three games against teams who are ranked in the top 75 in the rankings, conceding six and scoring just once.
- North Macedonia vs Wales Prediction: Wales To Win (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.37
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10 (TRACKED BET)
North Macedonia vs Wales Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, September 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
North Macedonia vs Wales Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Teaser
Brennan Johnson played up front for Wales in their last match with Sorba Thomas starting out wide. Bellamy could opt to name and unchanged front four here. Mark Harris is an option from the bench. Rabbi Matondo could also get some minutes. Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu were big misses against Kazakhstan but the Welsh coped well in their absence.
North Macedonia have talent in forward areas. Bojan Miovski plies his trade for Girona in La Liga. Eljif Elmas is also a threat from the left. The Torino attacker will be hoping to have an impact against Wales.
North Macedonia possible starting lineup:
Dimitrievski; Dimoski, Zajkov, Musliu, Alioski; Bardhi, Alimi; Churlinov, Elmas; Trajkovski, Miovski
Wales possible starting lineup:
Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Sheehan, Cullen, Brooks; Thomas, James, Johnson
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