Heavyweights Belgium have been in good form in this round of 2022 World Cup qualifiers and are set to maintain their high level as they head to the Kazan Central Stadium to face Belarus. The hosts have been poor lately and are tipped to struggle against the star-studded Belgians.
Belarus suffered a 3-2 defeat to Wales in their previous qualifying fixture. They came from behind to lead before the break through Vitali Lisakovich and Pavel Sedko but conceded twice in the second half including an injury time winner.
It has been a poor qualifying campaign for Belarus, who have claimed just one win in four matches. Georgi Kondratiev’s men have lost their last three matches in Group E, a run that includes an 8-0 defeat to Belgium in the reverse fixture.
Belarus also have one of the worst defences in the group and have conceded 14 goals in their four qualifying matches.
Belgium have looked good in this international break and travel to Belarus off the back of a 3-0 victory over Czech Republic in their previous fixture. Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring early in the contest while Eden Hazard and Alexis Saelemaekers were also on target.
Roberto Martinez’ men are unbeaten in the qualifiers with four wins and a draw from five matches. They have impressed in attack with the 8-0 victory over Belarus their biggest win, while they also triumphed 5-2 over Estonia.
Belgium have been driven by the impressive Romelu Lukaku who has led the line brilliantly for Belgium and heads into Wednesday’s clash with three goals scored in his last two matches.
How the bookies view it
Belgium are overwhelming favourites to claim the win and are priced at 1/6 by Skybet. Belarus are considered outsiders at home at 25/1 with SBK, who are also offering odds of 8/1 for a draw.
Head to head
The only previous meeting between Belarus and Belgium was the first leg which the Belgians won 8-0.
Players to watch
Romelu Lukaku has scored two goals in his last three international matches and will be the one to watch for Belgium. The striker is priced at 8/15 to score anytime while the first goal is valued at 9/4 with bet365.
Belgium’s defence has also looked fairly solid and will be confident of once again shutting out Belarus. With Jason Denayer, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Aldeweireld in central defence, Belgium will be confident of keeping a clean sheet at 13/25 with SBK.
Anything else catch the eye?
Belgium are expected to claim a comfortable victory and could be backed in the -2 handicap market at 5/4 with BetVictor. The Belgians are likely to score in both halves at 3/4 with BoyleSport while they could also be tipped to win both halves at evens with SBK.
A win to nil for the Belgians could also be worth a punt at 4/6 with bet365.
This World Cup match between Belarus and Belgium will be played on Sep 8, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Belarus vs Belgium prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
