Prediction: Belgium vs Wales

Prediction: Belgium win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re on the final stretch before the 2022 FIFA World Cup and this year, as a result of the tournament taking place in winter, preparation is going to look a little different for all 32 clubs involved. The next step forward in the midst of this chaotic schedule will be the final set of Nations League games, with a pretty frequent collision going down later this week between Belgium and Wales in Brussels.

Belgium

The golden generation of the Belgium national team has been, simply put, overstated a fair bit across the last decade or so. Nobody is denying that they’re an impressive outfit that has the potential to win a tournament, but they have yet to even reach a major final. The Red Devils are probably entering their final WC with this current crop of players and if they want to do them justice, they need to figure out the right system and stick to it.

Wales

For the first time since way back in 1958, Wales will compete in the FIFA World Cup and they’ll be doing so with a top squad that’s ready to try and make some waves on the big stage. This isn’t a team full of superstars by any stretch of the imagination but in equal measure, there are game-changers here that should make them feel confident about progressing from a group featuring the USA and Iran later this year.

Factors to Consider

• Wales lead Belgium 2-1 in wins across their last six meetings with the pair sharing three draws.
• Wales are 4th in League A Group 4 of the Nations League with one point.
• Belgium are 2nd in League A Group 4 of the Nations League with seven points.
• Wales have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Belgium have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.

Conclusion

These fixtures may be about making progress in the Nations League for some, but in reality, the focus here is going to be on preparing for the World Cup – which is why we don’t expect to see either side really go for it, especially with domestic football and fitness to think about too. We think Belgium will edge Wales out with a 2-1 victory, but it’ll be far from the full story by the time we get to Qatar.

Prediction: Belgium win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: 888sport