Belgium and Wales will do battle in an intriguing-looking World Cup qualifier in Brussels on Monday night.
Rudi Garcia’s hosts are having to play catch up in Group J due to their involvement in the Nations League earlier this year.
The Red Devils conceded a late equaliser in their opening group game when drawing 1-1 away at North Macedonia on Friday night.
That means Belgium can ill-afford another early stumble when they come up against section pacesetters Wales at the King Baudouin Stadium.
Craig Bellamy’s side strengthened their position at the summit of the standings with a comfortable 3-0 win over Liechtenstein last time out, in a game that brought up one of my Cardiff City Stadium selections.
That victory coupled with results elsewhere means that the Dragons are currently occupying top spot in Group J, two points clear of North Macedonia.
How the bookies view it: Belgium big favourites
Belgium come into their maiden home match of the campaign as short-priced 4/11 favourites on Boylesports.
Wales are as big as 13/2 on Boylesports to bank all three points in Brussels on Monday night, while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 10/3 with the same bookmaker.
Head to head: Two familiar foes
Having been housed in the same World Cup qualifying and Nations League groups in recent years, Belgium and Wales have become familiar foes. Both teams have scored in each of the last four meetings between the pair and a repeat on Monday night merits support at even-money (1/1) on Boylesports.
Players to watch: Lukaku worth a look?
Romelu Lukaku made the net bulge when Belgium hosted Wales during qualification for the 2022 World Cup and the same selection on Monday night looks worth siding with at 10/11 on Boylesports.
Kieffer Moore got himself on the scoresheet for Wales against Liechtenstein last time out and the towering striker is 4/1 (Boylesports) to repeat the trick against the Red Devils.
Predicted line-ups
Belgium will once again be unable to call upon the services of injured goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Monday night, with Matz Sels again expected to deputise between the sticks.
Wales may have to make do without defender Neco Williams after the Nottingham Forest man sustained an injury during Friday night’s aforementioned 3-0 win over Liechtenstein.
Belgium: Sels, Meunier, Debast, Faes, De Keyper, Raskin, De Bruyne, Vanaken, Saelemaekers, Lukaku, Doku
Wales: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, Wilson; Johnson, Cullen, Thomas; Moore
Anything else catch the eye?
A Bet Builder double of Belgium to earn the most corners and Wales to receive the most cards holds plenty of appeal at 23/20 on Bet 365.
As already mentioned, these two nations have run into each other on a fairly regular basis on the international circuit over the past couple of years.
In fact, the last time the two teams crossed paths – which was at this venue – this particular Bet Builder would have proven profitable.
GambleAware