<p>Rejoice, Matildas fans — She’s back!</p> <p>After 18 months on the sidelines due to a dreaded ACL injury, Aussie superstar <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/sam-kerr-returns-to-matildas-squad">Sam Kerr is preparing for her highly anticipated return</a> to the national team when the Matildas face Wales in an international friendly this weekend.&nbsp;</p> <p>A series of two matches against Wales and England during this international window will provide two more crucial games and opportunities for Joe Montemurro to further establish his style and finalize a core group of players ahead of next year's home Asian Cup.&nbsp;</p> <p>The fixture against Wales is historic, as it will be the first time that the two nations face off in women’s international football.&nbsp;</p> <p>With few dates and matches remaining before the February tournament, how much more will the new Matildas boss be seeking from this set of fixtures in the UK?&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest analysis, team news, odds, and betting tips, check out our Wales vs. Matildas preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wales vs Matildas Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While the addition of Kerr is the clear standout, this is one of the most stacked Matildas squads assembled since the 2023 World Cup on home soil.</p> <p>Kerr may be the headline act, but the squad for the two-game series in the UK also features plenty of familiar faces and fan favourites.</p> <p>Katrina Gorry returns after missing the last three FIFA windows due to a combination of injuries and personal leave. Also back in the national fold for the first time since mid-2024 is World Cup hero Courtnee Vine, who has gained some crucial minutes for her club, North Carolina, in recent weeks.</p> <p>Australia has maintained a steady position at 15th in the latest FIFA rankings, while their opponents, Wales, have dropped to 32nd, with their most recent matches played in July during the Women’s Euro qualifiers.</p> <p>The Matildas have recorded two wins, one loss, and one draw in their past four matches, stemming from games against Panama and Slovenia in Western Australia during the winter.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Wales are reportedly set to be without several first-choice players, with up to eight members of their Euro 2025 squad either retired from football or ruled unavailable.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Matildas Squad vs Wales &amp; England</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Morgan Aquino, Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry, Charli Grant, Winonah Heatley, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily Van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wales vs Matildas Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction (H2H)</h3> <p>As this is the first time that these two nations will face off in an international match, there is no form or history to go off. That’s ok though, because we can look at their previous games, and what is coming up.</p> <p>And with what is on the horizon for Australia, this game, and the one against England after, will be far from just a friendly.&nbsp;</p> <p>There will be some experimentation, but ultimately, Australia should have too much class to come away with the win.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/ladies/friendlies-ladies-international/wales-w-v-australia-w-9761261">Australia</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal</h3> <p>She’ll be on the team sheet somewhere, but will Sam Kerr start in either match?</p> <p>Given that she hasn’t started for Chelsea in a game since she’s played since her return, it’s unlikely she will be given a start here in a friendly. This means we have to look elsewhere, but there are options available.</p> <p>Fellow striker Caitlin Foord has only found the back of the net once for Arsenal this season, but is prolific in nailing the shot whenever she has the green and gold on. We’re tipping her to open the scoring here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/ladies/friendlies-ladies-international/wales-w-v-australia-w-9761261">Caitlin Foord</a></p> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> <h3>Correct Score</h3> <p>Wales’ last three international fixtures came in the Women’s Euros, where they were bundled out in the group stage. In each match against, it must be said, highly-fancied European opponents, they conceded 3+ goals in each match.</p> <p>Australia has the scoring capabilities to put a few past the Welsh. It might not be as many as six or four like the English and French did, but they will fancy their chances.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/ladies/friendlies-ladies-international/wales-w-v-australia-w-9761261">Australia 3 - Wales 1</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How to watch Wales vs the Matildas</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Fans in Australia can watch the Wales vs Matildas match live in Australia on Paramount+.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Wales vs Matildas Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>12:00 AM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, 26 October 2025</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales</p>