Horse Racing analyst Will Smith has had a good look at all this weekend's ante-post markets, and provides a 7/1 EW selection in the Grade 2 novices' chase at Newbury on Friday.
Wales became the 32nd and final team to officially qualify for the 2022 World Cup after beating Ukraine 1-0 in Cardiff at the beginning of June. It’s a huge achievement for Rob Page’s side which marks just the second time in history that they will feature in the finals of the competition with the last being all the way back in 1958. They reached the quarter-finals in that competition and although it’s unlikely to see them at that stage of the tournament this year, they will have their eyes set on reaching the knockout stages which is not out of the question.
For the USA, this will be their 10th appearance at the World Cup finals but their first since Brazil 2014. They have quality within their squad with Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest, Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKenny being a few notable names at their disposal. They’re 5/4 to qualify from Group B compared to evens for Wales. With Iran being 3/1 outsiders to reach the knockout stages and England at a very short 1/16 with some bookies prior to their match today, it’s looking like it’s between these two sides to claim second place which makes this fixture a huge game for both sides.
Date of Tips: 17/06/2022
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:21 17/06/2022) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
This is a tough match to call. Both sides certainly have goals in them and so it could be a potentially very entertaining fixture.
3/2 on USA and 5/2 on Wales are both a shot in the dark for me and I’d much rather back the draw if I was picking a selection from the match winner market at odds of 11/5. Although, the odds on Wales to win have drifted over recent days and I’d say there is more value in their price than on USA if you are looking for a winner.
Looking at the correct score market, I think 1-1 is the most likely score but 11/2 isn’t hugely appealing. Instead, I’d rather take the chance on both sides to net twice in a 2-2 draw priced at 18/1.
Being the opening game and with what is at stake, many will be expecting a cagey game. However, an early goal from either side would open the match up and multiple goals from both sides is certainly not out of the question if that happens.
These two sides last met in a friendly back in 2020 which resulted in a stalemate. However, I can see goals in this match and BTTS at 21/20 is very appealing to me.
For the USA, Christian Pulisic is the most likely scorer and for Wales, Daniel James, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey all have appeal. For me, Daniel James at 12/1 looks to have the most value.
I’m finding it hard to pick a winner from this match and so Draw/Draw would be the logical bet. However, I’m siding with USA/Draw at slightly higher odds.
Wales to receive the most cards is my selection in this market. I think they’ll be up for this game and emotions could lead to some clumsy fouls.
USA expected starting lineup:
Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Long, A Robinson; Adams, McKennie, Aaronson; Reyna, Ferreira, Pulisic
Wales expected starting lineup:
Hennessey; C Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, B Davies, N Williams; Ampadu, Ramsey; Bale, Moore, James
Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Luton), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Arsenal).
Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Sergino Dest (AC Milan), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Shaq Moore (Nashville), Tim Ream (Fulham), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville).
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (Leeds), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders).
Forwards: Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Josh Sargent (Norwich), Tim Weah (Lille), Haji Wright (Antalayaspor).
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester), Adam Davies (Sheffield United).
Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham), Ben Cabango (Swansea), Tom Lockyer (Luton), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Connor Roberts (Burnley).
Midfielders: Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield), Joe Allen (Swansea), Matthew Smith (MK Dons), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Jonny Williams (Swindon), Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff).
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds).