There is still plenty to play for in Group E of the World Cup qualifiers. Wales must take 4 points from their final two games to guarantee a spot in the play-offs, whereas a single point will be enough to see Belgium automatically qualify in top spot thanks to their goal difference.
A lot could change by the time these two meet, but even if Wales beat Belarus as they are expected to, they will still need a point against Belgium to guarantee qualification. The Dragons took the lead when these two met in their opening match, but ended up losing the tie 3-1. You can back the home side to upset the odds at the Cardiff City Stadium at 3.70 with Bet777.be, or you can back the world’s number one ranked side at 2.05.
We’ve previewed how things might play out and given our football predictions. Place your sports bets at Bet777.be – the best place for football odds and online bets on Belgium.
Gareth Bale Excels for Wales
Tie with goals – 4.85
Although his stats and accolades would disagree, many would say Bale’s career has never reached the heights it was predicted to since his iconic move to Madrid. One thing is for certain, the Welshman finds another level when he pulls on his national shirt. He has so often been the driving force behind his nation overachieving in big tournaments and carries the weight of Wales on his shoulders.
Bale has not played since September due to an injury, but with world class ability and a point to prove, it’s worth keeping an eye on Bet777.be’s live betting odds for the winger to score next.
There is every chance that Belgium could have the group wrapped up against Estonia in their penultimate game, and this would play into Wales’ hands. Should Roberto Martinez’ side beat Estonia, they will likely field a rotated side in their final game, handing out appearances to lesser featured players. Wales have genuine game changers in the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Dan James and Bale – Robert Page will need all of them to perform if they are to upset the odds.
Belgium Squad Depth
Belgium win and over 2.5 goals – 3.40
Although Martinez is without Romelu Lukaku, his top goalscorer in the campaign, Belgium are very rarely on the end of a defeat in competitive football. Before they were beaten by Italy in the Nations League, they had lost just once in their last 13 away games, a record stretching back to 2018.
Even in the absence of Lukaku, Belgium have plenty of match winners. Kevin De bruyne, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens and Youri Tielemans are just a few of the names available for selection that could cause Wales problems. Club Brugge duo Hans Vanaken and Charles de Ketelaere have also been included in the squad, with St. Gilloise striker Dante Vanzeir also in with a chance of receiving his first senior cap.
Belgium have found the net 3 or more times in 75% of their first 6 games, so it’s worth one of our top football predictions for this match is for you to keep an eye on the live betting odds for the travelling side to score over 3.5. Belgium will go into the tie as favourites with Bet777.be – they are the world’s number one ranked side after all. However our football prediction is that this clash ends all square. We think they will have the group wrapped up against Estonia, thus fielding a rotated side against a Wales team that need a result.
If you like the look of our football predictions, make your selections online at Bet777.be – the best place to bet on Belgium.
*Odds correct at time of publish.
