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Wales host Belgium on Friday evening in their opening World Cup qualifier but Adam Bate thinks Eden Hazard and friends will have too much for their opponents in Cardiff

Chris Coleman has been in charge of Wales since January when he was appointed to succeed the late Gary Speed, but he has only had three games at the helm in that period and has lost them all.

There was real optimism about the way Wales finished the previous campaign and Coleman will be hoping the intervening period will not have taken the spark away from his players.

There is talent in the Welsh midfield and although the loss of full-back Neil Taylor through serious injury is a blow, they will be hopeful against Belgium on home soil.

Wales are 3/1 (4.00) with Bet365 to kick off a difficult World Cup qualifying group with a win.

Belgium have not had the most impressive results in recent times despite the remarkable talent at their disposal.

Any team that can boast Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen in defence with a midfield that includes Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele and Eden Hazard should be formidable opponents.

With Kevin Mirallas, Jan Vertonghen and Christian Benteke also making big-money moves to the Premier League this summer, at least a trip to Wales will not mean too many travel problems for the Belgian players.

Belgium are 10/11 (1.91) with Bet365 to start to show their vast promise by picking up three points. The draw is available at 5/2 (3.50).

In the goalscorers markets, Romelu Lukaku is a 5/1 (6.00) favourite to net the opener but he has been troubled by a knock recently.

Benteke is available at 8/1 (9.00) with Fellaini 12/1 (13.00) – both industry-best prices to score first in this one.

If you favour the home side starting strongly, Steve Morison can also be backed at an industry-best 9/1 (10.00) with Bet365 to open the scoring.

As well as his first win, Coleman is also looking for a first goal as Wales boss – perhaps he will see it in a high-scoring game and you can back both teams to score here at 5/6 (1.83).

But in truth the fact that Morison is Wales’ best bet for a goal indicates Belgium’s superior quality – he will be marked by the captain of the Premier League champions.

Backing Belgium to win at 10/11 (1.91) is the pick of the bets in this one.

For the value bet, expect Belgium's impressive defence to believe they can hold on to a lead once they get their noses in front. Belgium to win by one goal is available at 13/5 (3.60) with Bet365 and looks a good choice here.

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BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Belgium to win at 10/11 (1.91) with Bet365

Belgium to win by one goal at 13/5 (3.60) with Bet365

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Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on

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