Prediction: 2-1
Tips: BTTS | Daniel James to score anytime
Key Points:
1. Wales will be less motivated after news that they have secured a playoff place.
2. Belarus managed to score twice in the reverse fixture.
3. Without Kieffer Moore up front, the onus will fall on Dan James to score.
Rob Page's side should beat Belarus this weekend but not by a cricket score. Despite losing six of their seven qualifiers so far, the visitors did shockingly come back from a goal down to lead in the reverse fixture. Gareth Bale scored an injury time penalty to rescue all three points for The Dragons but it was a nervy evening to say the least.
There will be an air of abandon about this clash as Wales learned on Friday they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs regardless of where they finish in Group E. Page's men probably won't be keen to exert themselves too much in an attempt to thrash their opponents, knowing it's utterly unnecessary to do so. Belarus will also play their final qualifier with nothing to play for but pride. The visitors probably won't get two goals like they did last time but they shouldn't be ruled out to snatch one if the Welsh defence switch off at a set piece.
Nonetheless, even without their star striker Kieffer Moore and possibly lacking in motivation, Wales should have enough to get all three points at home. In the absence of the big man, the slighter and quicker Daniel James is likely to lead the line and the Leeds United man stands a good chance of netting his third international goal in seven appearances. The Belarussian defence should be too slow to keep up with his runs in behind and if he gets a couple of chances he will probably put one away.
Given everything we know going into this one, both teams to score looks like a fairly safe bet, with Daniel James to score a slightly more speculative but also probable option.
Wales
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