Wales are heavy favourites to come out on top against Kazakhstan in their opening game of World Cup qualification. Wales look like a new side under Craig Bellamy and will be really optimistic about their chances of qualifying for the world cup looking at their group.

Aside from Belgium, Wales will feel like this group is there for the taking with the rest of the spots filled up by North Macedonia, Lichtenstein and their opponents here, Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan really struggled in their Nations League B group, finishing bottom with no wins and remarkably, not scoring a single goal. They conceded 15 goals across their six games with their opponents scoring 3+ goals in three of these fixtures – notably these were all away games. They’ll find it difficult to break down this Wales side who will be more optimistic than ever about qualifying for the tournament next summer.

Wales showed their progression under Craig Bellamy with a 4-1 win at home against Iceland to wrap up their Nations League group stage. They topped the group and didn’t lose a game, being particularly effective on home ground.

This could be another real struggle for Kazakhstan judging by their performances in the group stages of the Nations League. Wales have the attacking talent to hurt this Kazakhstan side namely through Brennan Johnson and Dan James who have been bright for their club sides this season.

Charlotte have won both of their games at home this campaign against Atlanta and Cincinnati, which are quite tough fixtures. Even more impressive is the fact that they won both of these games to nil, suggesting that they have been quite professional at home.

Their one loss of the campaign came against the best side in the Eastern Conference in Inter Miami and that was only by a one goal margin.

San Jose have won two and lost two of their opening four fixtures in the MLS. They’ve scored seven goals across these games which is a pretty solid record, but they could struggle to penetrate a side that is yet to concede at home this campaign, having already seen off two strong sides too.

San Jose had the worst away record in the Western Conference last season, winning just two of their 17 games on the road and conceding 46 goals in the process.

Charlotte won 9 of their 17 games at home last season which was a record only bettered by three sides in the Eastern Conference. They only conceded 15 goals across these games which indicates that defensive solidity is the root of their success at home and is something they’ve carried into the early stages of this campaign.

Charlotte should be able to lean on that organisation again to add to their promising record at home this season.