Wales demonstrated their strong defense to secure a 0-0 draw against Turkey in their recent match, with assistance from a missed penalty by the home team. Next, they will be facing Iceland in Cardiff for their last Nations League game.
Coach Craig Bellamy has had a successful start leading the national team, despite his team surrendering a 2-0 lead to end in a 2-2 draw against Iceland previously.
Similarly, Iceland has triumphed over struggling Montenegro twice but struggled in defense during losses to Turkey, who reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in 3-1 and 4-2 defeats.
Team news
Wales will be checking on defender Joe Rodon and striker Mark Harris after they collided heads during the Turkey match. Karl Darlow is expected to continue as the goalkeeper, with Danny Ward as backup.
Iceland will have full-back Logi Tomasson suspended, potentially leading to Birmingham's Alfons Sampsted starting in defense, while captain Aron Gunnarsson is doubtful due to a thigh injury.
The stats
Four of Wales's last seven games have ended in a 0-0 draw in regular time. They have had six draws in their past ten international matches and have kept six clean sheets in ten games.
Three of Iceland's last five victories were with a 2-0 scoreline, and six of their last 12 away games have seen over 3.5 goals. In addition, both teams scored in five of Iceland's last seven away matches in the Nations League.
Prediction
Under Bellamy, Wales has now gone unbeaten in five matches, though their streak was threatened during the recent goalless draw in Turkey. Despite only having four goal attempts compared to Turkey's 25, including a missed penalty by Kerem Akturkoglu, more will be expected from Wales' attack with players like Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson leading the line against Iceland.
Wales tends to start matches quickly, as shown in their previous games against Montenegro and Iceland. They are tough to beat at home, evident by their win over Montenegro in the last home game. A half-time and full-time lead for Wales seems like a good prediction based on their recent performances.