Wales host Belgium on Friday night looking to remain in close proximity to their opponents at the top of Group B.

Belgium, who have recently moved to second place in the world rankings, will be eyeing a victory in Cardiff as they look to stamp their authority on the group after reaching the halfway stage level on points with the Dragons.

Wales

Two years ago, Wales looked like they were about to slip down the international ladder but a run of just one defeat in 10 games has seen the nation reach their highest ever position in the FIFA world rankings.

It has been a remarkable transformation under Chris Coleman who has not only orchestrated an improved run over the past 24 months but has put them into contention to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1958.

There is still plenty of football to be played but they can face Belgium with plenty of optimism having already secured a goalless draw against opponents who possess their best talent for decades.

That result came before they travelled to Israel in the hope of maintaining their unbeaten start, but by the hour mark, a positive result was never in doubt as they ran out convincing 3-0 winners.

Gareth Bale will inevitably be a pivotal figure if they are to continue their progress but Coleman's defence have kept clean sheets in three of their last five fixtures.

Friday night's encounter is one of the team's biggest games in recent years, but even in defeat, the Dragons would still be optimistic of achieving a top-two position come the winter.

Recent form: WDWDW
Recent form (all competitions): LWDWDW

Belgium

After losing just once in 17 games, Belgium travel to Cardiff placed in their highest ever position in the world listings.

Their one defeat came in the World Cup against eventual finalists Argentina, but that setback has failed to discourage an array of attacking talent who continue to produce the goods on the international stage.

They only secured a draw in their opening games with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Wales but their last three performances have indicated that they could prove hard to stop on Friday.

Their latest result saw them net four times against a strong France outfit, and although they conceded a couple of goals late on, it shouldn't take anything away from a memorable triumph in Paris.

The Red Devils are missing a couple of key players for this game but Marc Wilmots possesses one of the strongest squads in international football and he will have total belief in the players that he has at his disposal as he attempts to end the season on a high.

Recent form: WDDWW
Recent form (all competitions): DWDWWW

Team News

Wales will be without defensive duo James Collins and Ben Davies for Friday's match after they were ruled out of the squad with a calf injury and dislocated shoulder respectively.

James Chester and Adam Matthews could be the men drafted into the team, while Sam Vokes may be preferred to Hal Robson-Kanu in attack.

Belgium are without the suspended Vincent Kompany, while midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been confirmed as an absentee after suffering a groin problem in training.

Manchester City's Jason Denayer, who ended the campaign on loan at Celtic, could also miss the fixture after picking up a knock in training.

Wales possible starting lineup:
Hennessey; Gunter, Williams, Chester, Matthews, Taylor; Allen, Ramsey, Ledley; Bale, Vokes

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois, Alderweireld, Denayer, Lombaerts, Vertonghen, Nainggolan, Witsel, De Bruyne, Mertens, Benteke, Hazard

Head To Head

The two teams have previously met on nine occasions, with Belgium prevailing four times compared to two victories for Wales.

Belgium are currently unbeaten in their last five matches, a run which stretches all the way back to 1997.

Wales have won two of four home games between the sides, but their last success came during qualifying for the 1994 World Cup.

We say: Wales 1-1 Belgium

After seeing off France, Belgium will hold no fear ahead of their visit to the Cardiff City Stadium, but Wales are a team on an upward curve and with a passionate home crowd behind them, as well as talisman Bale, they could find the resolve to hold their more illustrious opponents to a draw.