International Friendly: Wales v Iceland match preview

A look ahead to this week’s fixture in Cardiff

Gareth Bale will be in action for Wales against Iceland (GETTY IMAGES)

They may be the birthplace of the world’s most expensive signing, but Chris Coleman’s Wales side will be going in search of only their second victory in their last eight matches when Iceland visit on Wednesday night.

Having failed yet again to qualify for an international tournament, Coleman’s attention now turns to the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign – but they will have to dramatically improve their recent performances if they are to stand any chance of tasting the delights of a major competition in two years’ time.

Last time out they failed to beat Finland at home, although preceding that was an impressively-fought draw against a strong Belgium outfit. With Gareth Bale in the squad, Coleman will be aiming for a confidence- boosting win over their Icelandic opponents.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7:45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

2008: Iceland 0-1 (Evans) Wales, International Friendly

1991: Wales 1-0 Iceland, International Friendly

1984: Wales 2-1 Iceland, World Cup qualifying

STATS…

In international football history Wales and Iceland have faced each other six times, with the Welsh boasting an impressive record of four wins, one draw and just a single defeat

Wales, though, have only won one of their last seven matches in all competition; a 1-0 win over Macedonia in an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign

Iceland are unbeaten in their last six, mixing three wins with three draws

Wednesday’s meeting will be the first time they have played each other in six years, when Gareth Bale was still a defender.

ODDS…

Wales to win: 2.0

Iceland to win: 3.7

Draw: 3.5

TV: Wednesday, 7:45pm, Sky Sports 4