IT’S five long years since Wales’ heroics at Euro 2016 – and they’re out to shock the footballing world once again.
The Dragons take on Switzerland in Group A on Saturday, looking to get off to a winning start before tough games against Turkey and Italy.
This clash is taking place way out in Baku, with BBC ONE and S4C the place to head for live TV coverage back home.
Wales vs Switzerland £20 risk free bet + 85/1 bet builder tip
What’s the form?
Rocking up to just their third major tournament, the Wales camp looks to be steady despite the ongoing suspension of boss Ryan Giggs.
Former centre-half Rob Page will be in the dugout for the finals, with the Welsh coming into this clash unbeaten in 13 competitive matches.
Switzerland though have hit form at just the right time, heading to Baku on the back of six consecutive victories.
They’re anything but consistent, with that run of form coming after seven games WITHOUT a win – although that sequence did involve excellent draws with Germany in the Nations League.
Who’s in and who’s out?
The Welsh look to have a fully fit 26-man squad to pick from, although Aaron Ramsey and David Brooks are both returning from long-term injuries.
Page has a number of big calls to make, with Keiffer Moore hoping to partner Gareth Bale and Dan James up top.
The Swiss have an abundance of talent in their squad, with familiar Premier League faces Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri carrying their hopes.
Breel Embolo and Yann Sommer will be trusted to get the goals as the Swiss look to clamber out of a tough Group A.
Watch out for…
Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid star has hinted at retirement despite ending his on-loan season at Spurs looking like his old self.
But this isn’t club football and Bale’s heart is in Wales – remember that famous flag?
He’ll be at the top of his game, let’s just hope it isn’t a last hurrah.
We are getting there. We’ve got young, hungry players coming into the squad that want their jerseys. Nobody can rest on what they’ve done before.
Rob Page, Wales temporary coach
If the game’s rubbish…
Take a delve into Bale’s notoriously private lifestyle – including a mansion where he’s built his own private golf course.
The Madrid superstar’s childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones will likely be cheering on from the stands in Baku, along with their three kids Alba, Nava and Axel.
Wales are definitely a team that deserves respect, they’re a team that reached the semi-finals last time around. We respect our opponents – but we’re not scared of anyone.
Vladimir Petković, Switzerland coach
In 2018, work was completed on building a three-hole golf course in Bale’s estate in Wales that amazingly features copies of real holes.
His chosen three holes were the the 12th at Augusta, Royal Troon’s Postage Stamp and the tricky par-three 17th at Sawgrass.
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds:
- Wales to win 11/4
- The Draw 19/10
- Switzerland to win 23/20
Power prices:
- Gareth Bale & Xherdan Shaqiri each have one or more shots on target from outside the box – was 3/1 now 4/1
- Gareth Bale to score first – Was 6/1 Now 7/1
Euro 2020 outright odds:
- Switzerland 66/1
- Wales 150/1
*All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
