Wales (57) v Slovakia (43) – Group B – 5pm (BBC) – 11.06.16 – Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux
Wales qualified in impressive style behind Belgium and will feel confident of making it out of a group that looks fairly open. Slovakia can say much the same and if either team wins this opener they will be superbly placed to reach the second round.
Chris Coleman’s side were unbeaten for their first eight qualifiers, including in both meetings with Belgium, but including friendlies they’ve now gone W1-D2-L3 in their last six matches. However, Gareth Bale was missing for the last three of those and they are a completely different team when the Real Madrid star is in the team.
Slovakia are a similar side to Wales in that they are heavily reliant on the talents of one star player, and in their case it is Marek Hamsik. Their form has been better than Wales’ since qualifying as they’ve beaten fellow qualifiers Switzerland and Iceland while their qualifying win over Spain was every bit as impressive as Wales’ win over Belgium.
Recommendation: Slovakia Win Draw No Bet 1.85
