Belgium open their qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup with a clash against Wales on Wednesday night.
Wales are the outsiders for the game at Den Dreef in Leuven, with Roberto Martinez’s Belgium the number one-ranked team in world football.
However, Wales are unbeaten in their previous four games with Belgium, winning their last meeting at Euro 2016.
Wales have proven hard to beat recently, with only England getting the better of them since June 2019. Ryan Giggs’ side qualified for Euro 2020 and ended their Nations League campaign without tasting defeat.
Belgium will be without Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel due to injury, but defensively they have the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Jason Denayer available.
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey misses out through injury, but Joe Allen is available in the middle of the park, although both Ben Davies and Tom Lockyer withdrew from the squad last week due to injury concerns.
Gareth Bale has looked back to his best of late, but Belgium should still come out on top. Backing a home win and both teams to score appeals at odds of 9/4.
Expect Fireworks in Istanbul
Turkey and the Netherlands face off in their World Cup qualifier at 17:00, and a cracking game looks to be on the cards. The Netherlands are unbeaten in five matches under Frank De Boer, while Turkey have only lost one of their last seven games.
The hosts have scored 12 goals in their last six matches in all competitions, while the Netherlands have only failed to score in one of their previous five. Both teams have scored in their last four games, and over 2.5 goals looks tempting at 10/11 this week.
Serbia Should Dominate Toothless Ireland
Since missing out on qualification for the Euros, Serbia’s squad have responded in fine style. Three draws and an emphatic 5-0 win over Russia have got them back on track ahead of their opening qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland.
Stephen Kenny is without Darren Randolph, Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Hourihane, Callum O’Dowda, Kevin Long, James McCarthy, John Egan and Adam Idah for the trip to Belgrade.
Kenny has yet to register a win as manager since he replaced Mick McCarthy, with Ireland failing to score in their last seven matches.
Serbia have scored 11 in six at home, and they should prove too much for Ireland, who continue to struggle under Kenny’s stewardship.
A home win to nil catches the eye at 29/20, while Luka Jovic is one to consider in the goalscorer markets.
He has netted four times in his last six appearances at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, including a brace in the 5-0 success over Russia.
Jovic is 7/2 to score first, while he is available at 33/20 to score anytime.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
