2022-23 UEFA Nations League: Poland vs Wales

Poland welcome Wales to Stadion Wroclaw, Wroclaw in their opening clash of 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.

With Belgium not meeting Netherlands until Friday 3 June, victory would see either Poland or Wales go top of the group.

 

Team News

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Gabriel Slonina is Poland’s only absentee after the 18 year-old goalkeeper withdrew from the squad, following his decision to pledge his international allegiance to USA.

Wales have a near-full squad available but will be without uncapped Nathan Broadhead who withdrew due to injury, with Oliver Denham consequently handed his first call-up whilst Wes Burns has been recalled in midfield.

 

Stat Attack

• This is the first Nations League clash between Poland and Wales.
• Poland have lost just one of six previous competitive meetings against Wales (W4, D1, L1).
• Wales are winless in four previous visits to Poland in all competitions (D2, L2).
• Both of Wales’ two previous draws away to Poland finished 0-0 in May 1991 and October 2000 respectively.
• Poland have kept clean sheets in two of their last three home matches in the UEFA Nations League (W1, D1, L1).
• Wales haven’t conceded in any of their last four away matches in UEFA Nations League (W3, D1).

 

Prediction

Given that Belgium and Netherlands are also in this Nations League A group, Poland know that victory here is crucial to give them momentum heading into a run of three blockbuster fixtures if they want to win the group and qualify for the semi-finals.

Poland though were made to play the patience game against Sweden in their World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Final in March, although I am expecting a much stronger performance if they play their attacking football with Robert Lewandowski capable of causing major issues for Wales’ defence.

Wales though will have one eye on Sunday’s rearranged World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Final against Scotland or Ukraine, yet this is a huge chance for them to make a strong debut in the top-tier of this competition amidst their poor away form against Poland.

Tactics though should play a part because I feel like Wales must go for a counter-attack approach if they’re to stand any chance of making life difficult for Lewandowski, otherwise I can see a fairly one-sided result coming if they’re not careful.

Prediction: Poland 2-0 Wales

Result: Poland 2-1 Wales