Red Devils off to typically blistering start
The UEFA section of qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar gets underway on Wednesday. Global leaders Belgium will naturally be hot favourites to bag the only automatic spot in Group E, and face off against Wales for the first time since the British nation shocked them in the knockout stages of Euro 2016. Things have changed substantially for both countries in the five years after that tournament, but the visitors can be at least be reasonably confident of duking it out with Czechia for the play-off position. The hosts are missing both Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, but should still have more than enough to grab a few goals. Read our preview here:
Naturally, Chadli
What's become clear during Roberto Martínez' time in charge of the low country has been his loyalty to choosing certain players, regardless of whether their club form is up to scratch. This has rarely come at the cost of results, but still remains a bone of contention amongst some fans. Chief case in point is Nacer Chadli, who has spent the vast majority of his time in the red, gold, and black on the international stage nominally at wing-back, but in practice, a conventional winger. İstanbul Başakşehir have struggled in the Turkish Süper Lig, and the 31 year old has had a similar experience, and in the games he has managed to appear in, he has been deployed in no fewer than five positions. On his flank, he'll be up against Rhys Norrington-Davies, who can play anywhere on the left but is more defensively minded than most of his contemporaries. The intrigue will come whether the latter can get licence to go past his man, but if not, Wales might resemble having five at the back more often than not.
The Morrell of the story
Norrington-Davies' Hatters teammate Joe Morrell will line up in midfield alongside Ethan Ampadu, who has had a tough time this season in defence for rock bottom Sheffield United. Both individuals will sit deep and attempt to sucker punch Belgium into overcommitting (even by their standards) men forward, and have the passing range and vision to quickly set free the wing-backs or the likes of Gareth Bale and Dan James in support of target man Kieffer Moore. If the duo do get the opportunities to advance though, they're apt to get shots off from distance, and it remains to be seen who their opponents will pick to partner Youri Tielemans in the absence of Axel Witsel, who has already been ruled out of the delayed Euro 2020 competition.
A very tough Giggs
Even without some big names, Belgium will be formidable opponents. Whilst not possessing the tactical savvy and balance of France, they're arguably the most feared side in the world on the attack, with Kevin De Bruyne orchestrator in chief. Wales are mostly a side composed of players coming into their peak, and few are expecting a repeat of events from 2016. Nevertheless, they do have the discipline to frustrate their hosts for periods of time, and it will be a tough examination of their credentials. 888sport have odds of 3.00 for over 3.5 goals.
