Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker:
Looking to clinch back-to-back qualifying victories on Friday night, Wales will welcome Armenia to the Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales
Starting with the hosts, while Wales might have endured a public World Cup in Qatar over the winter, Rob Page’s side have certainly claimed a welcomed boost since opening 2023. Getting their European Championships qualifying adventure underway on March 25th as they snatched a stunning last-gasp 1-1 draw away at Croatia, the Dragons have mustered four points from their opening two Group D appearances. Likewise, last seen picking up a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Latvia, that result was remarkably the first win that Wales have collected from their previous 10 matchups across all competitions a run that stems all the way back to that famous 1-0 win against Ukraine 12 months ago. With their sights firmly set on finding a route out of Group D, Page’s side should certainly be smelling the chance to make another qualifying statement on Friday night.
Team News
With attacking icon Gareth Bale announcing his retirement following Wales’ World Cup exit over the winter, Aaron Ramsey will lead Wales out on Friday night. The former Arsenal star will likely be partnered in the middle of the park with Ethan Ampadu.
Bagging the winter against Latvia back in March, Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore should spearhead Page’s attack here. The ex-Cardiff striker could be joined in the final third by Leeds’ Daniel James.
Armenia
As for the visitors, while Armenia might have stunned Ireland 12 months ago as they clinched a 1-0 Nations League victory on home soil, it appears that was nothing more than a minor boost for Oleksandr Petrakov s men. Getting their European Championships qualifying adventure underway on March 25th with a 2-1 defeat at home against Turkey, the Reds are now without a single win from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Despite being last seen snatching a 2-2 friendly draw against Cyprus on home soil, Petrakov will have a real headache over his side’s extended issues at the back. Including a 5-0 drumming when they welcomed Ukraine to Yerevan back on September 24th, Armenia have shipped 26 goals on their nine-match winless rut. Needing a major miracle if they are to somehow find a route out of Group D, the Havakakan should face another stern test on Friday night.
Team News
Announcing his retirement from the international stage last year, Armenia have struggled to replace Inter Milan star Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Taking over captain responsibilities, Varazdat Haroyan will lead out the Havakakan in Cardiff.
Bagging both goals as Armenia played out a 2-2 draw at home against Cyprus last month, 19-year-old Grant-Leon Ranos will be hoping to feature here. However, Slovan Bratislava striker Tigran Barseghyan should lead Petrakov s attack.
Key Factors to Consider
