Iceland vs Wales Prediction: Bellamy can secure another away win

Craig Bellamy’s Welsh era has got off to a positive start. In his first two games in charge he has picked up four points, with an impressive away win away at Montenegro their most recent outing. It means that Wales have a genuine chance of promotion to League A, as they are currently level with Turkey at the top of the table. 

Next up, they have a winnable away game against Iceland, which takes place on Friday night at 19:45 (BBC iPlayer and S4C). Below you will find my Iceland vs Wales prediction, featuring team news and betting tips. 

Team News

Gylfi Sigurdsson is now back involved with Iceland’s national side, as he plys his trade for their biggest club Valur. He will be part of the midfield along with Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who now plays for Al-Orobah in the Saudi Pro League. 

Plymouth Argyle’s Victor Palsson scored against Turkey and should retain his place here, with veteran former Cardiff midfielder Aron Gunnarsson left out of the squad after his move to the Qatar Stars League. Age Hareide may start with Andri Gudjohnsen up front again, the son of Icelandic legend Eidar. He’s got a lot to live up to. 

Football Odds

Meanwhile, Bellamy has called up both Oli Cooper and Mark Harris just as he did a month ago, after the Oxford striker began this season on fire in the Championship. Owen Beck, having been nibbled by Milutin Osmajic a couple of weeks ago, could make his debut for his country, while all eyes will be on Brennan Johnson as the Tottenham man looks to continue his spectacular form. 

Sorba Thomas and Jordan James, the Welsh duo who now earn their keep in Ligue 1 will both hope to make an impact, as the manager looks to maintain his unbeaten start to life as an international boss.

Iceland vs Wales Odds

Iceland are priced at 15/8 to win this game, with Wales available to be backed at 13/8. A draw is 21/10, over 2.5 goals is 5/4 and BTTS is 10/11. Sheffield United forward Kieffer Moore is the favourite to open the scoring at 5/1. 

Wales to win @ 13/8

I’m happy to back Bellamy’s boys to get another away win here. I think they have looked good under his tenure so far and far more competitive than they did under Rob Page. They also have a few players who are bang in form, and I feel they will be able to edge past Iceland, in what should be an even encounter. 

Iceland beat Montenegro 2-0 at home before losing 3-1 to Turkey thanks to a Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu hat-trick. They famously beat England in a warm-up game for Euro 2024, and over the past decade have established themselves as a competitive European nation. However, I think Wales have enough about them to find the victory. With Moore, Johnson, Harris and Nathan Broadhead they have enough firepower to cause problems, while Joe Rodon and Chis Mepham or Ben Cabango could lock things down at the back. It’s not going to be easy, but I’ll plump for the away side.  

Brennan Johnson to score @ 11/4

This has to be the main bet for this game. Johnson has been in simply scintillating form for Spurs of late, scoring six goals in his last six appearances. He scored a late winner against Coventry in the Carabao Cup, and that sparked a ridiculous run of goals, including two in the Europa League and three in the Premier League. 

His pace from the right is always going to cause problems for the opposition, but he seems to be driving in at the back post to receive cut-backs, and his one-on-one finishing has also gone up a notch in recent weeks. His finish against Brighton was typical of a man full of confidence and now he looks like the player Spurs signed for big money last summer. 

He should be able to continue his goalscoring form for his nation in Reykjavik, against this Icelandic defence. They can supply the ice, Johnson can deliver the fire.

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