Prediction: Wales vs Poland

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With a spot at EURO 24 hanging in the balance, Wales will welcome Poland to Cardiff on Tuesday night for what will be a nail-biting affair.

Wales

Starting with the hosts, although Wales might have opened their EURO 24 qualifying adventure in the midst of a major struggle last year, the Dragons have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Making a real semi-final statement last week as they stormed their way to a thumping 4-1 victory at home against Finland, Rob Page has certainly eased some of the pressure on his shoulders. Turning a recent corner on either side of opening the New Year, Wales are unbeaten in all of their previous seven straight appearances across all competitions. Springing a heavyweight upset during October’s international break as they secured a 2-1 win against World Cup bronze medalists Croatia, Page’s side should also be excited by a thumping qualifying record in front of their own supporters. In fact, the Dragons have lost just one of their previous 16 qualifying showdowns in Cardiff – a run that stems all the way back to March 2011.

Team News

All withdrawing from Wales’ squad last week, Page’s side will be without the trio of Joe Low, Wes Burns and Ben Cabango on Tuesday night. However, although Aaron Ramsey might have not featured against Finland last week, the former Arsenal superstar could earn an 85th international cap here.

Finding the net in Cardiff last week and continuing to shine since arriving at Premier League giants Tottenham last summer, Brennan Johnson will spearhead Wales’ charge. Despite not making a single appearance for Leicester this season, Danny Ward will start between the sticks here.

Poland

As for the visitors, although Poland might have opened their EURO 24 qualifying adventure tipped as a standout contender to secure an automatic route out of Group E, the Eagles certainly came under major scrutiny. Eventually collecting just 11 points from their eight qualifying appearances and finishing behind both Albania and the Czech Republic, Michal Probierz’s side have shown some extended inconsistencies over recent times. However, despite winning just one of their final four Group E showdowns, Poland certainly put in a rampant performance last week. Breezing their way to a routine 5-1 romp against Estonia, Tuesday’s guests will also be excited by a stellar record against Wales. Securing a 1-0 victory when they travelled to Cardiff back in September 2022 while in National League action, Probierz’s men have won all of their last six straight showdowns against the Dragons across all formats.

Team News

Sustaining a suspected hamstring injury against Estonia last week, Aston Villa defender Matty Cash is not expected to feature on Tuesday night. Despite initially being excluded from Poland’s squad, Empoli’s Bartosz Bereszynski could play some part in Cardiff.

Notching 13 La Liga strikes for Spanish giants Barcelona this season, the record-breaking Robert Lewandowski will earn a 148th international cap here. Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior will once again partner Southampton’s Jan Bednarek at the heart of Poland’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Wales and Poland last met back in September 2022 while in Nations League action, the Eagles collected a 1-0 victory in Cardiff.
• Poland have won all of their previous six meetings against Wales across all competitions.
• However, Wales are unbeaten in all of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Wales have lost just one of their previous 16 qualifying showdowns in front of their own supporters.
• Poland have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous five qualifying appearances on foreign soil.

Conclusion

Storming their way to a 4-1 romp at home against Finland last week, Wales will certainly be seeking a repeat performance here. However, remarkably losing all of their previous six straight meetings against Poland, we could be set for a nervy affair on Tuesday night. With Page’s side seeing all of their previous four showdowns finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet