Montenegro vs Wales

Podgorica City Stadium is the venue as Montenegro and Wales seek redemption after a disappointing start to their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign.

A lack of competitive form took its toll on Montenegro in their opening Group B4 fixture as Iceland eased past them 2-0, inflicting a third consecutive defeat on Robert Prosinecki’s team. That was their first competitive outing since November 2023, suggesting the rustiness hindered their ambition to secure League A promotion for the first time. There’s enough time for the Brave Falcons to get back on track, yet they stare down the barrel of four consecutive losses for the first time since June 2016. By contrast, they have emerged victorious from three of their last four matches on home soil (L1). Moreover, just one defeat from their four most recent Nations League outings (W2, D1) indicates their 100% win ratio against Wales on these shores is safe and sound.

As much as Wales would love to end their barren run in Montenegro, they take this trip amidst a dreadful spell of form, with a tepid 0-0 draw against Turkey in their opening Nations League game extending their winless streak to four (D3, L1 – 90 minutes only). Ominously for manager Craig Bellamy, who avoided defeat on his touchline debut last time out, his men haven’t scored in four consecutive matches since a 4-1 home win against Finland in Euro 2024 qualification playoffs in March. Wales’ form in this competition looks even more dire, with the Dragons winless in their last seven Nations League outings (D2, L5). Relegation to League B could be a blessing in disguise, considering Wales have only lost twice at this level (W7, D2, L2).