The UEFA Nations League has become one of Europe's most hotly contested football tournaments. As a result, many fans have turned their attention to it, actively cheering on their preferred teams. Bookies have not been left behind, either. Punters can get competitive odds on reputable sites like Bet365 and stand the chance of walking away home with good prizes. But should fans and punters have their eyes on Wales this season? Let’s find out:
 
Reviewing Wales’ Performance in Previous Seasons
The UEFA Nations League has a very interesting concept. Winners in the top league (A) play in the finals, which also include two semi-finals to award third and fourth places. Teams in Leagues B, C, and D face promotion or relegation based on their performance. Winners move to higher leagues, while losers in each league get relegated to a lower league. So, how has Wales performed in the previous seasons?
·      2018-2019: It played in Group 4 in League B and came in at 2nd place, having faced off with Denmark and Ireland and garnered 6 points. It came in at 19th place and retained its position in the league.
·      2020-2021: It came in first place in Group 4 in League B with 16 points, having beaten Finland, Ireland, and Bulgaria. At 17th position, it was promoted to League A.
·      2022-2023: After matches against the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland, it scored 1 point in Group 4 in League A. At position 16, it was relegated to League B, where it will play in the 2024-2025 season.
Wales has appeared four times in the league, with 3 appearances in League B and one in League A.
 
Wales Predictions
The 2024-2025 season will see Wales play against Iceland, Montenegro, and Türkiye. So, how will it likely fair against these teams? It all comes down to their recent games, as follows:
1.    Türkiye: Wales and Türkiye last faced off in 2023. When Wales was home, the game ended in a draw. But when Türkiye was on home soil, it beat Wales with two goals. Given this past performance and the fact that both teams will have a chance to play on home soil, Türkiye seems to have the upper hand.
Let’s also consider their World Cup forms. By April 2024, Wales had scored about 16 goals, conceded 10 goals, and garnered 16 points. Türkiye had scored 3 goals, conceded 1, and scored 4 points.
2.    Montenegro: Wales last played against Montenegro in 2010 and 2011 during the European Championship Qualification. At the time, the teams were at par, so each time a team was home, it won. During the European Championship Qualification matches in 2023 and 2024, Wales showed better standing. It won its matches against Finland and Croatia and drew against Poland, Armenia, and Türkiye. On the other hand, Montenegro lost to Serbia and Hungary and won one match against Lithuania.
3.    Iceland: Wales and Iceland last played together in a friendly match in 2014. In their 2024 matches, Iceland lost to Ukraine but won against Israel, Honduras, and Guatemala.

While Wales has formidable competition, this team has a high chance of winning in the group stage and getting promoted to the higher league. Why?
-     A thriving football culture: Wales has seen increased support from its fans in recent years, which has been seen to boost its performance on the field. Its wins at home are usually much grander than those away. And with a chance to play at home for three of the above matches, it will get the boost it needs to win in this group.
-     Amazing talent: Wales has players like Connor Roberts, Aaron Ramsey (captain), David Brooks, and Daniel James in its lineup. These and other talented footballers will carry on the winning streak it has been exhibiting.

With Rob Page, an amazing leader, guiding the team, fans are confident that Wales will overcome its challenges and exploit its strengths and opportunities.

[ Main photo embedded from faw cymru ]