Wales – Slovakia

Wales and Slovakia will square off in the first match of the Euro 2016 Group B, a group that also features England and Russia, who will play later in the day.

Qualification for Euro 2016 was a great achievement for a Rugby nation like Wales and they fully deserved it as well. Led by Gareth Bale, who had a huge impact in the qualies, Wales finished second behind Belgium and some way ahead of Bosnia. Chris Coleman’s side plays a pragmatic brand of football, defending very well (only 4 goals allowed in a very tough qualifying group) and relying on Bale to make the difference up front with a moment of magic. Unfortunately for the Brits, their form has been very poor since the qualifiers ended – 3 losses and 1 draw in the last 4 matches. They scored a single goal in the three pre – Euro 2016 friendlies, despite not meeting top class opponents.

Slovakia finished three points in front of a strong Ukraine in the qualifying group, beating Spain at home in the process. With Hamsik and Skrtel leading the way, the Slovakians played very well in preparation for Euro 2016 as well, defeating Georgia and Germany (!!) before drawing 0-0 with Northern Ireland a few days ago. With an excellent form coming into the Euros, a good first 11, a few difference makers like Hamsik and a very good tactical approach, Slovakia might just be the main favorite in this group behind England – even though the bookies don`t see it that way.

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Team news & lineups:

Allen, Ledley and Robson-Kanu are doubtful for Wales, while Gyomber and Hubocan are questionable for Slovakia.

Wales: Hennessey – Chester, Williams, Davies – Gunter, Ramsey, Allen, King, Taylor – Bale, Vokes

Slovakia: Kozacik – Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Svento – Kucka, Hrosovsky – Mak, Hamsik, Weiss – Nemec

One thing is certain in this match – with the group being very difficult and evenly matched, whoever loses this will be in serious trouble. As such, I expect no risks to be taken and both teams to play very, very careful football. Considering the fact that it`s very hard to separate these two teams in terms of quality, I reckon the draw is the most likely result here – especially since we know that Wales is a team that can be rather prone to draws with its pragmatic approach, while Slovakia rarely loses. I would add the fact that both sides are very strong in midfield, so they could nulify eachother in that key area.

I will bet on the draw but I want to secure the bet in case of a Slovakia win. The Slovakians seem to be a bit better and they are definitely in better form, so if you had to choose a winner, might as well go with them. My tip is a draw on the Slovakia no bet market. We win the bet in case of a tied result, while a Slovakia win makes the bet void. Prediction: Wales – Slovakia 0-0.

Pick: Draw – Slovakia win no bet
Odds: 1.87 @ Bwin
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.96
Event date: 11 June