Prediction and odds for the game: England (1/3) v Wales (9/1)
We are backing under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 13/10
When: Thursday, 8th October 2020, Kick-off 20:00
Where: Wembley Stadium
On Thursday night, England face neighbours Wales in an international friendly at Wembley, with both teams looking for a lift ahead of weekend Nations League games.
England
Gareth Southgate’s team go into the game on the back of a five-game undefeated streak, having claimed four victories. Former centre-back Southgate will certainly be pleased with his team’s recent defensive displays, as the Three Lions have kept five straight clean sheets.
Despite those recent good defensive displays, England’s recent international matches have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last eight outings. The fact that England have scored at least two goals in five of their last eight matches has been a big factor in those recent high-scoring matches.
The Three Lions have traditionally been strong on home soil. Their recent home record is also a stellar one, as they have claimed seven straight victories at Wembley. England have scored at least two goals in their previous six international matches at home. They have also kept clean sheets in five of their last seven matches at Wembley.
England will have several players absent from their squad for this clash. Raheem Sterling will miss out through injury. Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho will also miss out after attending a 23rd birthday party for Abraham.
Wales
Ryan Giggs’ team has been in good form of late, as they are currently on an eight-game undefeated run in the international game, six of which that the Dragons have won. Their recent international games have certainly not been goal fests that’s for sure, as six of their recent undefeated run have seen under 2.5 goals scored. A big factor in those tight games is that the visitors have kept clean sheets in their last four matches.
Wales have been highly inconsistent of late on their travels of late in the international game. In fact, their recent away record could not be more inconsistent, as they have won two, lost two and drawn one of their previous five matches on the road. However, they are now undefeated in three games on their travels.
Wales are without Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who is in isolation after two of the Bianconeri’s staff tested positive for Covid-19. Striker Hal Robson-Kanu will also miss the game through injury.
Conclusion
The home team are the favourites to come out on top. However, it is unlikely to be an easy game against a Wales team that has improved immensely over the last 12 months or so. We are backing the home win, though. We also believe that this game will low-scoring, so the other recommendation is under 2.5 goals scored, simply due to both teams solid defensive displays in recent games.
Verdict: We are backing under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 13/10 and/or the home win at odds of 1/3. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top between these two rivals?