Euro 2016 Qualifiers: Wales vs Belgium preview

June 11, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Wales vs BelgiumHaving enjoyed a brilliant start to the current qualifying campaign, Wales can make another important step towards the Euro 2016 finals with a good result against Belgium.

The Red Devils sit at the top of group B by virtue of goal difference alone, and they will want to cement the first place by winning in Cardiff.

The 1958 World Cup remains the only major tournament Wales have qualified for, and no doubt the Dragons are desperate to end the barren run as soon as possible.

Chris Coleman’s men appear to be on the good road to finally make it to their first ever European Championship tournament, having enjoyed a strong start to the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Wales sit level on points with group leaders Belgium after five matches and two points clear of third-placed Israel, with the 0-0 draw in Brussels the highlight of their campaign so far.

The Dragons now have the opportunity to beat the Red Devils at their Cardiff City Stadium, with home win paying 5.40 (22/5).

The likes of James Collins, Jonny Williams, George Williams and Ben Davies are out injured, while few more players are fighting to be fit.

However, Chris Coleman expects to have Aaron Ramsey, James Chester and Paul Dummett ready to face Belgium on Friday.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hennessey – Gunter, A. Williams, Chester, Taylor – Allen, Ledley – Bale, Ramsey, Robson-Kanu – Vokes.

Belgium are slowly becoming one of world’s strongest sides and it is only a matter of time before they will challenge for the first major trophy.

The Red Devils came close to the final stages of the 2014 World Cup, narrowly losing to eventual finalists Argentina in the quarter-finals, and it looks as though they will have no problems reaching the Euro 2016.

Belgium did fail to defeat Bosnia and Wales in the new qualifying campaign, but they remain in the first position and will be looking to stay there come October.

And having impressed to defeat France in an international friendly few days ago, the Red Devils have rightly been made 1.83 (5/6) favourites to win in Cardiff.

Coach Marc Wilmots did suffer a blow this week as Marouane Fellaini was ruled out through injury, while Vincent Kompany misses out through suspension.

Full-back Thomas Meunier was earlier forced to withdraw from the squad, while Jason Denayer faces a fitness test.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Courtois – Alderweireld, Denayer, Lombaerts, Vertonghen – Nainggolan, Witsel – Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard – Benteke.

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