Ace Football previews the World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Wales and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Belgium begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with a home match against Wales on Wednesday night.
Roberto Martinez’s men are the number one ranked side by FIFA and are expected to dominate Group E and even finish as leaders.
However, the threat that Wales pose should not be underestimated. In fact, the Dragons are unbeaten in their last four games against Belgium. The most recent encounter between both sides saw Wales claim a 3-1 win over Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.
On paper, Belgium have all of the stars and quality but Wales could easily be their “boogey team”, as explained by Welsh star Gareth Bale.
Both sides come into this game with good form, having enjoyed pleasant results in 2020. The Red Devils remain favorites to win but it could be a safer option to go with goals for this one.
Belgium Form and Stats
Belgium finished top of Group 2, League A in the UEFA Nations League. They won five of their six matches with one defeat, losing 2-1 against England at Wembley.
Roberto Martinez’s side won their last two matches, both at home.
The Red Devils beat England 2-0 and Denmark 4-2 with Youri Tielemans, Romelu Lukaku (2), and Kevin De Bruyne on target.
- Belgium have won 16 of their last 18 matches (World Cup qualifiers).
- Belgium have won by 4+ goals in four of their last five home matches (World Cup qualifiers).
- Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku has scored 17 goals in his last 14 international matches (all competitions).
Wales Form and Stats
Wales also had a positive UEFA Nations League campaign, finishing top of Group 4 in League B. They won five of their six matches with one draw, conceding only one goal and scoring seven.
The Red Devils kept five consecutive clean sheets before a 3-1 home win against Finland in their last match. They played against 10 men for 78 minutes with Harry Wilson, Daniel James, and Kieffer Moore on target.
Wales’ last defeat came in a friendly against England in October, losing 3-0 at Wembley.
- Wales have failed to score in three of their last six matches in including friendlies (all competitions).
- Wales have scored in 11 of their last 13 away matches.
- Wales have not lost in their last six away matches (all competitions excluding friendlies).
Team News
Belgium squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski
Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Thomas Meunier, Dedryck Boyata, Jason Denayer, Leander Dendoncker, Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Vice-captain), Nacer Chadli, Yannick Carrasco, Youri Tielemans, Thorgan Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Dennis Praet, Hans Vanaken, Thomas Foket, Alexis Saelemaekers, Albert Sambi Lokonga
Forwards: Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi, Yari Verschaeren, Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere
Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel miss out due to injury.
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies, Tom King
Defenders: Chris Gunter, Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Mepham, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, James Lawrence, Neco Williams, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Ben Cabango
Midfielders: Joe Allen, Jonny Williams, Harry Wilson, Daniel James, Joe Morrell, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Josh Sheehan
Forwards: Gareth Bale (captain), Hal Robson-Kanu, Tom Lawrence, Kieffer Moore, Tyler Roberts, Rabbi Matondo, Brennan Johnson
Aaron Ramsey misses out due to injury.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Head-to-head
Belgium have a 4-4 record against Wales with three draws in 11 matches.
They last met in the 2016 European Championship Quarter-Finals. Wales claimed a 3-1 comeback win at the time.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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