Belgium manager Roberto Matinez and Wales acting Manager Rob Page will match wits on Wednesday, as two top 20 ranked (FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking) teams clash in the Group E World Cup Qualifier. The Red Devils have the supposed home advantage, but stadiums remain empty. The 2018 World Cup Bronze Medalists can look to their form and top FIFA ranking for confidence.
Wales 19th place world ranking speaks to the strength the Dragons possess. In the most recent fixture between Wales and Belgium in July 2016, Wales emerged 3-1 victors. Of the last five matches played between them, Wales has won two, Belgium; one and the other two ended in draws.
Both teams want to start their World Cup Qualifying campaign on a solid foot. On paper, this fixture and the return leg; represent the most challenging opposition either squad will face in Group E. The winner of this game could very well win the group and avoid the playoffs.
Romelu Lukaku has joined up with the Belgium squad despite a COVID-19 outbreak at Inter Milan. Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel have missed out due to injury. All other players are available for Roberto Martinez.
Despite being called up, Aaron Ramsey is unlikely to play for Wales due to injury. Rob Page will welcome the returning Wayne Hennessey and Joe Allen. No other fitness concerns or suspensions noted for Wales.
The current crop of Belgium players has been referred to as a golden generation for some time now. Elite players like Kevin De Bruyne are at their peak, meaning they are closer to the end of their career; however, Belgium continues to produce young players at a very high level. Belgium can litter the field with World Class players such as Thibaut Courtois in Goal, Toby Alderweireld in defence, De Bruyne in midfield and Lukaku leading the line.
Belgium should line up with the customary 3-4-3 that can convert to 5-3-2 out of possession. With pace, skill and quality in wide and central positions, Belgium has several options to move the ball up the pitch allowing the Red Devils to advance. Belgium can also play the ball long for Lukaku, who can run into space and take on defenders or hold up the ball. The Belgians also have excellent passing and shooting skills.
If Belgium has any weaknesses, the defence is where they appear inferior compared to other positions. The players are not the most compact in defensive positions; Belgium is therefore vulnerable to conceding goals, keeping one clean sheet in the last seven games.
Wales has talisman; Gareth Bale, available and in form for this fixture. He makes things happen on the field and Wales become a more potent force with him. Bale’s presence is critical since the team struggles to score goals. Wales will line up with the 4-2-3-1 system that compacts the midfield with a defensive double-pivot shielding the defence. Wales has eight clean sheets in ten games, so the system has severed the team well.
The Welshmen pose a major counter-attacking threat through the pace of Daniel James and Bale. They provide width; however, the fullbacks do love to get forward. When the fullbacks make offensive runs, the wingers can cut into central positions and overload the offensive third. Bale will have a free role, and the expectations will be on him and players like David Brooks to create opportunities or attempt shots.
This fixture is interestingly poised, the classic defence against attack. The Belgians can outscore any opposition if they happen to concede. The Welsh defenders face a stern test, but they can withstand the waves of attack Belgium will attempt. An away draw against the number one ranked national team in the world would not be a bad result for Wales, but Belgium will have too much strength in attack. Wales will struggle to keep them out. Expect Belgium to come away 3-1 winners.
