FREE TIP 06.09.2013

 
Macedonia vs Wels


Macedonia sit bottom of Group A with just four points, and along with the visitors this is a battle of pride only in the first ever meeting between the sides. Although well beaten in  back to back qualifying defeats to group leaders Belgium they have notched up home victories in friendlies against Denmark and Bulgaria this year and their only win in the group came at home to Serbia last November. These wins give real cause for optimism of a good result against the Welsh. Captain Goran Pandev is the standard bearer with twenty six goals in seventy two caps  for his country. Agim Ibraini is a young player to watch.

Wales are on six points courtesy of home and away wins against Scotland. Friendly results this year have seen a home win against Austria and a 0-0 draw against Rep. of Ireland. The team predictably revolves around record breaking Madrid signing Gareth Bale who has joined up with the squad, and is expected to feature. Though manager Chris Coleman says he does not expect him to play the whole match due to fitness issues.  Craig Bellamy and Aaron Ramsey offer the only other touches of class in a squad lacking depth.

Macedonia are ranked 89 by FIFA while Wales are 46, but home advantage for Macedonia could be very influential. Home wins against Denmark, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Serbia in the last two years all higher or similar ranked to Wales mean they can approach this game with real confidence. Allen and Eardley have withdrawn for Wales with injury and Todorovski misses out for Macedonia.


Betting option: 1x2
Pick: Macedonia
Odds: 2.25