Following 17 year-old Ben Woodburn’s stunning winner for Wales on Saturday night in Cardiff against Austria, Chris Coleman’s men look well placed to mount a late charge towards qualification for the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
World Cup Qualifier: Moldova vs Wales – Zimbru Stadium Tuesday – 5th September Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
- Moldova – Best Odds – 11/1 (Ladbrokes)
- Wales – Best Odds – 4/11 (Sky Bet)
- Draw – Best Odds – 10/3 (William Hill)
Moldova Form
The Moldovans have struggled in Group D and currently sit at the bottom of the table – without a win in their 7 group matches so far.
They have only picked up one point at home so far in this qualification campaign (a 2-2 draw with Georgia) and were comfortably beaten by Serbia in Belgrade on Saturday evening.
Moldova have never qualified for a major tournament and can’t do so again this season but with UEFA coefficient points to play for and with home support, they will be looking to make life as difficult as possible for Wales.
Wales Form
Wales arrive in Moldova, buoyed by their late win over Austria on Saturday. They struggled for long periods of the game against a resilient Austrian side, but called upon their mental toughness and togetherness that brought them so much success at last year’s European Championships.
They are unbeaten in the group, yet they are 4 points of leaders Serbia and have simply drawn too many games (5 in total) but a win here could boost their late charge towards qualification or at least a play-off spot.
Gareth Bale as always will be integral to Wales’s success and he has travelled to Moldova with a squad that is sure to be buoyant following Saturday’s confidence-boosting win – and they need another 3 points here.
Head to Head
This is the 4th meeting in the history of these 2 countries with Wales leading the head to head 2:1. Their last meeting – a year ago to the day in Cardiff – saw Wales run out comfortable 4-0 winners with goals from Sam Vokes, Joe Allen and a Gareth Bale brace sealing the points.
Odds and Predictions
Moldova’s game plan is sure to be to sit back and frustrate Wales as much as they possibly can. Wales have struggled to break down opposition defences in recent times and have only scored 4 goals in their last 5 qualification matches.
Backing under 2.5 goals in the game looks a good move at 7/10 with Bet365.
Gareth Bale is integral to the way Wales play and is their key man in all situations- and takes penalties!
Back Gareth Bale to score anytime at 8/11 with Sky Bet or to score first at 12/5 with Marathon Bet.
Despite their problems scoring, Wales have a solid defensive line-up and are very well organised.
Backing Wales to keep a clean sheet at 11/20 with William Hill looks a shrewd punt.
Top Betting Tip
Wales to win the game and both teams NOT to score looks a good double at 2.08 with BetVictor.