Wales vs Liechtenstein Prediction: Big home win on the cards

Wales will hope to take top spot in Group J of their World Cup qualification group when they host Liechtenstein on Friday night (19:45, BBC Three). Craig Bellamy has made an impressive start to life as an international manager, and the prize of appearing at their second consecutive World Cup is within reach. 

They will be heavy favourites to get the job done against the European minnows, but below you can find my detailed Wales vs Liechtenstein predictions.

Football Odds

Team News

Bellamy named a 27-player squad for these qualifiers and there are some positives to be found. Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson both return to the squad after missing out in March due to injury while Cardiff City full-back Ronan Kpakio has been called up for the first time after featuring in last week’s training camp.

Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson both won the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur to end the season, while Connor Roberts, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James and Chris Mepham all won promotion to the Premier League with Burnley, Leeds, and Sunderland respectively.

David Brooks rescued a late point against North Macedonia last time out but may have to settle for a place on the bench once again, with James, Sorba Thomas, Nathan Broadhead and Johnson looking like the strongest attacking quartet. Bellamy may use this tie to rotate however, and take a look at some of his fringe players.

For Liechtenstein, winger Dennis Salanovic has kept hold of his place in the squad despite being without a club since leaving York United in Janaury. The majority of their squad plays their football domestically, with Vaduz boastnig nine representatives in this squad. 

30-year-old Willy Pizzi started up top last time out, earning just his second international cap, while 19-year-old Fabio Luque Notaro may be afforded more minutes as he looks to further his development. 

Wales vs Liechtenstein Odds

Wales are priced at 1/66 to win this game, giving them an implied win probability of 98.5%, which gives you a clear idea of how this game should go. Liechtenstein are 40/1 to take the three points, while a draw can be backed at 14/1.

In terms of goals, over 2.5 is just 1/5, while BTTS is 5/2. Johnson is the favourite to open the scoring at 3/1. 

Dan James to score anytime @ 5/6 

Dropped points here would be a disaster for Wales, and it seems like an impossiblity in truth. We are really struggling to find value when looking at the match result and even the goalscorers lack value, but I think James is the best selection. 

Wales should have plenty of chances and although Johnson is their most likely scorer, his odds are too short to back right now. James has had a great season with Leeds, and scored 12 league goals on his way to the Championship title - so I think he will want to make a big impression for his country. Bellamy should start with a strong squad before making changes later on - so let’s back James to find the net. 

Wales -3 handicap @ 10/11 

Wales should win this game at a canter, with Liechtenstein one of the worst teams in the world right now. The visitors finished bottom of a Nations League group containing Gibraltar and San Marino, even losing 3-1 at home to San Marino in that famous defeat last year. 

Wales meanwhile have been good of late, and they are unbeaten since June last year - so they should put Liechtenstein to the sword. Bellamy knows goal difference will be important, so expect his side to pile on the pressure if they smell blood. 

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