Prediction: Armenia vs Wales

Verdict: Wales win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

Facing what is another must-win EURO 24 qualifying showdown on Saturday afternoon, Wales will make the trip to Armenia.

Armenia

Starting with the hosts, while Armenia might have opened this year’s qualifying adventure in the midst of a shock flurry, Oleksandr Petrakov’s men have come crashing back down to earth. Despite losing just one of their first four Group D appearances, the Reds have rather drastically failed to build on their early success. Last seen in qualifying action putting in a woeful performance as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Latvia, the former Ukraine boss has now seen his squad lose each of their previous three appearances across all competitions. However, despite signing off October’s international break with a routine 3-1 loss against North Macedonia in a friendly contest, Armenia will be excited by their most recent meeting against Saturday’s guests. Landing a famous 4-2 victory when they travelled to Cardiff for their reverse Group D battle back on June 16th, Petrakov’s men will be desperate to produce a repeat performance here.

Team News

Although Borussia Monchengladbach’s Grant-Leon Ranos might have made just a single Bundesliga appearance since the end of August, the 20-year-old will certainly spearhead Armenia’s attack on Saturday afternoon.

Coming off the bench against North Macedonia last month and bagging a consolation strike, Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan should be handed a full recall this weekend. 34-year-old shot-stopper should keep his spot between the sticks here and earn a 7th international cap.

Wales

As for the visitors, although Wales might have got their Group D adventure underway in the midst of a public rut, the Dragons have come roaring back. Signing off October’s international break with a stunning performance in Cardiff as they secured a 2-1 win against World Cup bronze medalists Croatia, Rob Page’s side are riding a recent wave of momentum. Winning each of their previous three appearances across all formats, Wales suddenly find themselves sat in pole position to book their ticket to EURO 24. With just their goal difference keeping them ahead of the Blazers, Page’s squad will be more than aware that nothing short of three points will be enough this weekend. Finding a recent clinical edge in the final third, it should be highlighted that Wales have bagged eight strikes on their recent three-match winning run. Hit with that shock 4-2 loss when they welcomed Armenia to Cardiff back in June, Page’s side will be desperate to claim some immediate revenge here.

Team News

Notching his first Premier League strike for Tottenham last weekend, Brennan Johnson has been handed a full return to Page’s squad. However, dealing with a recent injury issue, Wales will be without the services of influential skipper Aaron Ramsey on Saturday afternoon.

While Danny Ward might not have made a single domestic appearance this season, the 30-year-old is expected to keep his spot between the sticks here. Spurs defender Ben Davies will earn an 83rd international cap this weekend and lead Page’s squad out.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Group D showdown back on June 16th, Armenia picked up a shock 4-2 victory in Cardiff.
• However, the Dragons have won each of their last three appearances across all competitions.
• Armenia have lost each of their previous three contests across all formats by an aggregate score of 6-1.
• Wales have registered just a single victory from their previous seven away fixtures – a run that stems back to October 2021.
• Armenia have recorded just one victory in front of their own supporters over the past 17 months.

Conclusion

Currently with their nose ahead of Wales in their bid to claim a crucial top-two finish in Group D, Wales will be more than aware that they face a must-win showdown here. Really kicking into gear and shocking many as they claimed a 2-1 victory against World Cup bronze medalists Croatia last month, Saturday’s guests will be desperate to produce a repeat performance. While Page’s side might have slumped to that infamous 4-2 defeat when they welcomed Armenia to Cardiff back in June, we are expecting the Dragons to extend on their recent qualifying flurry this weekend.

Verdict: Wales win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster