Wales embark on their first World Cup finals in 64 years with manager Rob Page having selected a squad with no major surprises.
The Welsh start their Group B campaign against the USA, before taking on Iran and, finally, England.
Group B looks very competitive, with all four teams having genuine hope of reaching the last 16. Many will regard Monday’s opening game against the USA as being key to Welsh hopes of progress to the knockout stage, but Iran certainly shouldn’t be discounted. Page’s men will unquestionably raise their game when they meet England.
Tyler Roberts and Rhys Norrington-Davies were both ruled out of the finals through injury, but Joe Allen has been named in Page’s World Cup squad, despite doubts as to his availability after being ruled out with a hamstring injury since September.
Captain and talisman Gareth Bale’s selection was never in doubt, despite not being 100% fit and having started just two matches for Los Angeles FC since moving to the USA in the summer.
The 33-year-old Bale has always been a player for the big occasion, and gave notice that he is still the best hope for his nation when he came off the bench to score a desperately late equalizer as LAFC claimed MLS Cup glory against Philadelphia Union last weekend.
Gareth Bale is on offer at a massive 200/1 with BetUK to finish as World Cup 2022 Top Goalscorer. For more information around the Welsh team, you can check out our Wales World Cup odds page, where we will update their latest odds and how they are doing, throughout the tournament.
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World Cup 2022 - Top Goalscorer
50/1 with many firms, Bale is available at a huge 200/1 with BetUK
At 200/1 a £10 bet would return £2,010
2022 World Cup
November 20, 2022
4:00 pm GMT
Aaron Ramsey, now plying his trade in Ligue 1 for Nice, is the other player Wales will be looking to for some big performances. He’s not been anywhere near his best on a regular basis for several years now, but few would be surprised were he to raise his game in Qatar.
Whether Bale and Ramsey start all three group games over such a short period has to be doubted, but Page could certainly use either or both in cameo roles from the bench.
The squad also includes Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon) and Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), both of whom now play their football in League Two. Loyalty to those that have served him well previously being more important than their current level of football to Page.
Gunter and Williams, along with Allen, Bale, Ramsey, Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward and Ben Davies will be representing Wales in a third major tournament, having all featured in the past two European Championships.
By contrast, Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Mark Harris (Cardiff City) and Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town) will all be appearing in their first major international tournament.
Wales can be backed at odds of 250/1 with BetFred to win World Cup 2022. That might be seen as a bet that only appeals to the most patriotic of Welsh punters, but other more realistic options are Wales To Win Group B at 11/2 with William Hill or To Qualify at 11/8 with BetFred.
Be sure to check out our World Cup betting tips page as the tournament kicks off, to see what our resident football experts fancy every single day of the tournament in Qatar.
* Betting odds correct at the time of publication. All odds are subject to changes.
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