Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker:
Looking to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a flying start in midweek, European heavyweights Belgium will welcome Wales to Heverlee on Wednesday night.
Belgium
Starting with the hosts, while Belgium might have been hit with that 2-1 defeat against England in the UEFA Nations League back in October, The Red Devils managed to bounce back in impressive fashion. With many feeling that this is their golden generation s last chance to lift the World Cup in 2022, Roberto Martínez s side were last seen picking up a 4-2 win against Denmark on home soil four months ago. Signing off their Nations League campaign with a flurry and booking a semi-final showdown against defending world champions France for later in the year, Belgium have won each of their last four matchups across all formats. While the one-time Wigan boss might have been calling on his side to find some stability at the back after landing just a single clean sheet in their previous seven contests, they do have one attacking star enjoying a real purple patch on domestic duties. Finding the net in a 2-1 win against Torino last time out, Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has 30 goals so far this season.
Team News
While Belgium might have been nervous that he would not be able to join up with the squad, Romelu Lukaku has been given the green light and will feature this week.
However, in the midst of an injury nightmare with Real Madrid, winger Eden Hazard has suffered another issue and will not feature in this round of fixtures. Likewise, the former Chelsea star will join Axel Witsel on the sidelines.
Wales
As for the visitors, while Wales might have found themselves enjoying a boost when heading into 2021, they will once again be without their boss in midweek. With Ryan Giggs still on leave from his duties, caretaker boss Robert Page looks set to once again be in the dugout on Wednesday night. Nevertheless, turning their attention to qualifying duties if they re to book their spot at the World Cup finals in 2022, The Reds should be fancying their chances. Placed in Group E, a group shared with the likes of Estonia, Belarus and the Czech Republic, Wales will be hoping to at least lay down some kind of marker out in Belgium this week. Bouncing back from their 3-0 defeat against British rivals England at Wembley last year, The Dragons did manage to enjoy an eye-catching run in the Nations League. Last seen picking up a 3-1 win against Finland, Wednesday s guests secured their spot in Group A for the first time after seeing off Finland with a four-point buffer.
Team News
While Aaron Ramsey might have initially been called up to Wales squad earlier in the month, the Juventus midfielder will miss out due to an injury issue in midweek.
The Tottenham trio of Gareth Bale, Joe Rodon and Ben Davies have all been called up to Wales squad. Veteran midfielder Joe Allan has also been called up for the first time since 2019.
Key Factors to Consider
