Belgium vs Wales Preview

Monday’s World Cup qualifying action sees the two most reputable sides in Group J face each other, as Wales travel to Belgium for a match steeped in history.

Wales enjoyed their finest hour back at Euro 2016 when they defeated a star-studded Belgium side to reach a maiden semi-final of a major international competition, and nine years later, the two nations meet again as they look to gain the upper hand in their qualification group alongside North Macedonia, Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Where to Watch

This game will be broadcasted on BBC One and BBC Iplayer, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 GMT on Monday.

Key Statistics

• Belgium have lost four of their last five matches (before their game with North Macedonia), and have won one of their last seven in total.
• This is their worst run of form across all competitions since 2011.
• Wales come into this game undefeated in nine games, and while they have not played a higher ranked side in that time, this spell of form has brought huge confidence to the side.
• Four of the nations nine meetings since 2011 have ended in draws, while Belgium have won on three occasions.

Belgium Preview

Belgium Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois (GK); Diego Moreira, Zeno Debast, Koni De Winter, Thomas Meunier; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; Dodi Lukebakio, Kevin De Bruyne, Charles De Ketelaere; Romelu Lukaku.

While the Belgian team is certainly not the golden generation of a few years ago, there is still plenty of talent scattered throughout the squad. In midfield and attack in particular, there are household names and up-and-coming stars battling for a first team place.

However, their issue lies in defence - none of their defenders played for a title winning team in Europe’s top five leagues this season, and although Moreira, De Winter and Theate are ones to watch for the future, they are far from the finished product, and certainly have a mistake or two in them.

Against a dynamic, young Wales attack, Belgium’s makeshift backline could face some serious problems. Their best form of defence will be attack, but with the players they are able to field in the top half of the pitch, this is exactly how Rudi Garcia would like it.

Wales Preview

Wales Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Karl Darlow (GK); Neco Williams, Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Connor Roberts; Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James; Daniel James, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson; Kieffer Moore.

While Gareth Bale is long gone, Wales have a new generation of talent coming through. Across the pitch they boast recognisable names, chief amongst them Tottenham Hotspurs Europa League Final hero Brennan Johnson.

Together, this new look group of young players have started to thrive under Craig Bellamy’s oversight, and now on a nine game run after their win over Liechtenstein, confidence amongst the squad is at an all time high.

While Belgium are a totally different beast, Bellamy will know that Wales historically have a useful record against them, and drawing two of their last three meetings, know how to play against Rudi Garcia’s side.

Belgium vs Wales Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 22/10/2022: Belgium 2-1 Wales.
• 11/06/2022: Wales 1-1 Belgium.
• 16/11/2021: Wales 1-1 Belgium.
• 24/03/2021: Belgium 3-1 Wales.
• 01/07/2016: Wales 3-1 Belgium.

Belgium vs Wales Betting Tip

Belgium looked far from comfortable in their draw to North Macedonia, and the late equaliser they conceded was typical of their recent form - all bark, but no bite.

That is why our experts have decided that the best tip for this fixture is to back a draw at half time. Belgium are slow starters, and with another poor result seeing confidence dip even further, there is more than a chance they struggle here.

Odds of 2.4 on Highbet means that a £10 stake could return £24 if the bet comes off.

Belgium vs Wales Prediction

Belgium 1-2 Wales

This may seem like a shock prediction, but when you compare the form of both sides, as well as their results under their respective new managers, then Wales look to be comfortable favourites on paper, despite winning odds of 7/1 from most bookies.