BIG-GAME FOCUS
WALES begin their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign against Belgium tonight.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match in Leuven.
What time is Belgium v Wales?
Belgium v Wales kicks off at 7.45pm tonight.
The game at Den Dreef is being staged behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Is it on TV?
Yes, the game will be shown live on Sky Sports. Coverage on their Main Event channel begins at 7pm. It will also be screened live on S4C from 7:25pm.
What about live streaming?
Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the Sky Go app.
S4C coverage can be streamed via BBC iPlayer. You can also follow updates from the game on our live blog which will be on WalesOnline’s football page from around 5pm.
What is the latest team news?
The Red Devils will be without Real Madrid star Eden Hazard (ankle) and Borussia Dortmund’s Axel Witsel (Achilles tendon).
But it has been confirmed that striker Romelu Lukaku is available to feature after he returned a negative coronavirus test before being granted permission by Inter Milan to link up with his country. Midfielder Orel Mangala has withdrawn from the squad due to injury.
As for Wales, they are without Juventus ace Aaron Ramsey who has pulled out from the squad due to a thigh injury.
“He has physical problems and is unable to get continuity to his performances because he has to stop every two or three games,” said Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo.
Ben Davies and Tom Lockyer have also withdrawn from the squad due to injury.
What has the manager said?
Robert Page: “Even though there’s been a bit of time in between November and now we still take a massive amount of confidence from it,” he told the FAW website.
“We’ve shown in the past that things are working well and we don’t expect it to be any different in this camp. We need everybody to be firing on all cylinders to get a result as we’re up against one of the best teams in the world in Belgium. It’s a big ask, but our record against them has been good in the past.
“You’ve only got to look at the squad of players that they’ve got. But when you’re an international player, you want to play against the best. Belgium are certainly in that category.
“There’s going to be a difference in class to the Nations League, but we’ll be focusing on our game plan.
“It’s a World Cup qualifier, and if you make a little mistake, or half a mistake, you will get punished for it. That’s the difference the higher level you play, and there are less opportunities to get away with it.”
What are the latest betting odds?
Belgium win - 3/10; Draw - 17/4; Wales win - 10/1. (Odds courtesy of The Pools, correct at time of publishing)
Who is the referee?
The vastly-experienced Cuneyt Cakır will take charge of proceedings in Belgium. The 44-year-old Turkish official will be assisted by Bahattin Duran and Tarik Ongun. Abdulkadir Bitigen is the fourth official.