Wales resume their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign in Group E as they visit Belarus at Central Stadium in Kazan, Russia.
Both teams come into this match on three points apiece meaning that a win would see Wales stay third ahead of Belarus, although Rob Page’s Welsh Dragons have played two less matches than Belgium and Czech Republic, who both occupy the top two Qualification spots.
Team News
Yahor Hatkevich is ruled out for Belarus after withdrawing from the squad following a positive Coronavirus test.
Wales will be without Ethan Ampadu, Brandon Cooper and Tyler Roberts after visa issues prevented the trio from travelling to Kazan, Russia, for this match alongside Harry Wilson who is suspended for this match.
Adam Davies (Coronavirus), Kieffer Moore (Self-Isolation), Joe Rodon (fitness), Neco Williams (unspecified), David Brooks, George Thomas (all unspecified) and Aaron Ramsey (thigh) are all ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Belarus won one of two previous World Cup qualifiers against Wales (W1, L1), which both came in Qualifying for 2002 FIFA World Cup.
- Wales won two of three previous away matches against Belarus (W2, L1).
- Belarus are yet to keep a clean sheet at home against Wales, having scored and conceded three goals apiece.
- Wales have scored first in their two qualifiers so far yet only picked up one win from both matches (W1, L1).
- Belarus have won both of their two previous matches refereed by Giorgi Kruashvili, defeating San Marino and Kazakhstan albeit both away from home in November 2018 and September 2020 respectively.
Prediction
Belarus come into this match off the back of a positive performance in Thursday’s narrow away loss to Czech Republic, because they did keep their Czech opposition despite being outplayed which is likely to be the same here against an attacking Wales team.
Wales though will be without four players due to suspension and visa issues aside from seven withdrawals, so will have to adapt quickly depending on who starts this match but will still be favourites regardless, despite finding themselves held in Finland in midweek with a weakened line-up.
On that note, this game should be interesting and the neutral venue will only add extra spice but I do fancy Wales to find a win somehow irrespective of Belarus’ unbeaten record in matches refereed by Giorgi Kruashvili.
Prediction: Belarus 0-1 Wales
Result: Belarus 2-3 Wales