Betting Preview: Wales vs Belgium – Injury-hit Red Devils are there for the taking

Seb Sternik
15 November 2021

Aaron Ramsey sits out Wales training but says he is fine for Euro 2020 opener

A win or a draw against Belgium would see Wales progress to the World Cup qualifying play-offs. A defeat, on the other hand, could dash all hopes of a trip to Qatar.

It's been 63 years since Wales last qualified for a World Cup. In that time, we've had 12 American Presidents, 30 Olympic games and even two Nottingham Forest European Cup victories.

In order to stand a chance of ending that statistic, Wales will have to pull off an upset against the world's number one ranked team. Should they fail, Rob Page's men will have to rely on the Czech Republic slipping up against Estonia.

When, where and how to watch

When: Tuesday, November 16, 19.45 GMT

Where: Cardiff City Stadium

How to watch: Sky Sports

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best bets

Double Chance Wales/Draw at 4/6

Over 2.5 bookings at 8/11

Aaron Ramsey to score anytime at 9/2 (Was 15/4)

The task ahead of Wales is huge. But is it insurmountable? Absolutely not.

Belgium may be ranked number one by FIFA but it's fair to say that the Red Devils are far from their best.

Recent defeats to France and Italy prevented Roberto Martinez from winning the UEFA Nations League - another wasted opportunity for Belgium to win their first trophy.

The side responded by beating Estonia 3-1 last time out but Wales should provide a far tougher challenge - especially in Cardiff.

The main worry for Martinez will be his ever-lengthening absentee list. Jeremy Doku, Michy Batshuayi, Romelu Lukaku, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen and Youri Tielemans all missed the win over Estonia.

If that wasn't bad enough, the Red Devils will now also be without Eden Hazard, Jason Denayer and Thibaut Courtois.

Considering their troubles, we're backing a Welsh win or a draw in the double chance market.

Last three meetings

Belgium 3-1 Wales (World Cup Qualifier - March 24, 2021)

When these two teams last met, it was Belgium who ran out comfortable winners.

Harry Wilson gave the visitors an early lead but that was as good as things got for Rob Page and his men.

Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard put Belgium ahead before the half-time break. Romelu Lukaku added a third for the Red Devils after the restart.

Wales 3-1 Belgium (Euro 2016 - July 1, 2016)

If Wales are to draw inspiration from previous encounters, you can rest assured it will be this one.

The team's 3-1 victory over Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter-final was arguably their greatest ever result.

Radja Nainggolan put the Red Devils ahead but their lead didn't last long. Ashley Williams found the equaliser on the half-hour mark as Wales began their fightback.

In the second-half, goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes ensured a dramatic victory in France and a historic place in the Euro semi-final.

Wales 1-0 Belgium (Euro 2016 Qualifier - June 12, 2015)

One of the reasons why Wales made it to Euro 2016 in the first place was this victory over the Red Devils in Cardiff.

Gareth Bale scored the only goal of the game as Chris Coleman's side picked up their first win over Belgium since 1993.

Last ten head-to-heads

Wales wins: 3

Draws: 2

Belgium wins: 5

Wales goals: 11

Belgium goals: 14

Moore returns but Bale won't start

Bale marked his 100th cap for Wales by being subbed off at half-time in the 5-1 victory over Belarus.

According to the manager, the substitution was planned as Bale continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Real Madrid ace won't start against Belgium but the forward could still make an appearance from the bench.

There is, however, some good news as Kieffer Moore is available for selection. The Cardiff City target man was suspended for the Belarus match but he could make his presence felt against the Red Devils - all 6ft 5in of him.

Moore has a propensity to cause trouble and Belgium's defence will be kept busy. With that in mind, our second selection is to back over 2.5 bookings at around 8/11.

Wales vs Belgium goalscorer bets

The latest Planet Sport Bet Boost includes an Aaron Ramsey goal against Belgium. The odds have gone from 15/4 to 9/2 for the 30-year-old to get on the scoresheet.

Ramsey marked his return from injury by bagging two of Wales' five goals against Belarus. In fact, he has scored four goals in his last six outings for the Dragons.

With the Juventus midfielder enjoying good form on the international stage, he's without doubt one of the main men to back in the anytime goalscorer market.

From Belgium's perspective, it's hard to look past Kevin De Bruyne.

The Manchester City star has made 15 goal contributions in 17 World Cup qualifying games for Belgium.

The 30-year-old scored in his previous outing against Wales and he's well priced to do so again.