A FAR-TRAVELLED Wales side face a logistical nightmare off the pitch and a tough assignment on it when they journey to Kazan in Russia to face Belarus.
Rob Page's side – who had to play two games in Azerbaijan, one in Rome and one in Amsterdam during the Euros – are now being forced to travel to Russia after FIFA moved the game because of international sanctions against Belarus.
And after a midweek trip to Helsinki to fight out a goalless draw with Finland in a friendly, Wales cannot afford a slip-up after a defeat in Belgium, which they followed up by beating the Czechs in Cardiff.
Belarus are rated 89th in the FIFA rankings – but were only defeated by the Czechs 1-0 on Thursday. However, they were absolutely battered by Belgium in an 8-0 romp. They did previously beat Estonia though.
Georgi Kondratiev's side have also beaten Kazakhstan and Lithuania at home, but the loss of playing the game in Minsk won't help them, with this game being behind closed doors.
Wales were left sweating over an injury to Gareth Bale, who came on as a late sub, with Joe Allen and Daniel James rested, but the Real Madrid man will make it and the Welsh should be fresh enough.
How the bookies view it
Belarus can be backed at 6/1 with bet365. Wales are available at 16/25 with Unibet, with the draw available at 11/4 with BetVictor.
Recent head fo heads
Wales beat Belarus 1-0 in a friendly two years ago. The nations have met five times in total and Wales have won four of them with their only defeat coming in Minsk 21 years ago.
Here's Wales' goalless draw in Finland.
Players to watch
Belarus aren't blessed with many players who are prolific in their side, but Vitali Lisakovich has a respectable four goals in 14 games and the Lokomotiv Moscow hitman is their main danger. He's 9/2 with bet365 to score anytime in Kazan.
Harry Wilson missed a penalty in Helsinki, but it's better to do that now than in a competitive game. He will have plenty of backers at 6/4 with bet365 to net.
Anything else catch the eye?
Belarus could have provided the backdrop to a hostile atmosphere, but moving the game has wiped out any chance of that and Wales should get the job done against a team who shipped eight goals to the Belgians before losing their summer friendly against Azerbaijan.
Apart from that 4-0 thumping from the Danes at the Euros, there's usually not a huge amount of goals in Wales games – seven of their last eight games has seen both teams not scoring.
With the Welsh too short, a win to nil appeals more and that can be backed at 7/5 with Betfred. It's unlikely to see them do a Belgium here and rack up the goals. They will want to get in, get the job done and get out – 21/10 with bet365 for a Wales win and under 2/5 goals is acceptable.
This World Cup match between Belarus and Wales will be played on Sep 5, 2021 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Belarus vs Wales prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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