Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Wales will look to build momentum when they face Montenegro on Monday night in their second match of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.
Craig Bellamy’s team secured a valuable point in a 0-0 draw with Turkey, a solid start to their Group 4 League B campaign. Meanwhile, Montenegro began their Nations League challenge with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Iceland, and they will be eager to bounce back and avoid falling further behind in the group standings.
Montenegro
Montenegro showed promise during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign but fell just short, finishing third in Group G behind Hungary and Serbia. Despite some positive performances, they missed out on a spot in the finals, and now they are seeking to turn things around in the Nations League.
Friday night’s 2-0 defeat to Iceland put Montenegro under pressure to deliver a positive result against Wales. Robert Prosinecki’s side has now suffered three consecutive losses, following defeats to Belgium and Georgia in recent friendlies. Their last victory came in a 1-0 win over North Macedonia in March.
Having moved up to League B for the 2022/23 Nations League, Montenegro finished third in their group behind Bosnia and Herzegovina and Finland. They previously played in League C for their first two Nations League campaigns, gradually improving their status.
Historically, Montenegro have faced Wales three times, winning two of those meetings. However, they suffered a 2-1 defeat the last time the two sides met in September 2011.
Team News
Montenegro emerged from their clash with Iceland without any injury concerns.
Prosinecki is likely to resist making significant changes, which means Nikola Krstovic, who has scored three goals at the international level, should start again in the forward line. Vladimir Jovovic, the most experienced midfielder in the squad with 59 caps, is also expected to retain his place, while Novica Erakovic is likely to continue in the starting XI as well.
Wales
Wales suffered heartbreak in their Euro 2024 qualification campaign, falling to Poland on penalties in the play-offs. This was followed by underwhelming June friendlies, where they drew with Gibraltar and suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Slovakia.
However, they kicked off their 2024/25 Nations League campaign with a positive result, securing a goalless draw against a strong Turkey side on Friday, earning their first point in Group 4 of League B.
That match marked Craig Bellamy’s debut as national team manager, and he will be eager to secure his first win when Wales visit Montenegro in Niksic. After competing in League A of the 2022/23 Nations League, where they struggled and only picked up one point in a tough group with the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland, the Dragons are now back in League B.
Wales will be hoping to make a stronger impression in this group and end their four-match goal drought when they take on Montenegro on Monday night.
Team News
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey might continue in the false nine role for their Nations League clash against Montenegro, although Kieffer Moore could be considered as a more traditional option at centre-forward.
If there are no fitness concerns ahead of the match, manager Craig Bellamy may stick with the same starting XI that earned a valuable point against Turkey. Key players like Ben Davies, Harry Wilson, and Ethan Ampadu are certain to be included in the lineup.
Jordan James and Sorba Thomas, who have been playing in France, were given starting roles against Turkey, and both are expected to retain their spots in the team for Monday night’s fixture in Niksic.
Conclusion
Wales might feel it’s time for them to book their first win of the tournament, but it certainly won’t be an easy task. While no potential outcome should be written off, a draw between these two sides appears the most likely one.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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