Euro 2016 preview and odds: Wales vs Slovakia

Published on: 11/06/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: Wales vs Slovakia

Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux - June 11, 2016

Group stage - Group B

Two UEFA European Championship debutants will meet in an opening game for the first time in 20 years when Wales take on Slovakia at the Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday afternoon.

Gareth Bale fit to lead Welsh charge

Wales will play their first match at a major tournament since 1958 when they line up against fellow Euro debutants Slovakia on Saturday. Star player Gareth Bale is said to be fully fit and will be relishing the chance to lead his nation in their first ever Euro campaign. The form of the Real Madrid man will certainly be a key factor in how Chris Colemans men fare during their time in France.

Slovakia may be new to the Euros but they have recent major tournament experience under their belt, having featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A recent 3-1 friendly win against Germany will have also given them a massive boost heading into this event.

With star names such as Matú Kozáčik, Martin krtel and Marek Hamík in the team, Ján Kozák`s men certainly have the quality and experience that will be needed to compete with a strong Welsh side. They come into this game on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run, having won five and drawn the other three.

Form (all competitions):

Wales: LLDLWLDWWW

Slovakia: DWWDDWWWLD

Betting predictions

Wales have one of the biggest names in world football at their disposal and possess a great team spirit. However, they will need to be at their very best to see off the challenge of their opponents.

Slovakia are in a great run of form and have recent finals under their belt. The bookies are having trouble separating these two but if we are going by recent form, the Slovakians should just edge the win.

You can back Slovakia to win at 15/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 11/06/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (11/06/2016 13:43:30) but are subject to change.