BELGIUM will set out to tighten their grip on top spot in World Cup Group F when they meet Morocco at the Al-Thumama Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Roberto Martinez's side started their latest quest to lift that elusive first trophy with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Canada.
However, that narrow victory coupled with Croatia's stalemate with Morocco means that the Red Devils find themselves in a strong position in the pool after just one round of fixtures.
In fact, another victory for Belgium here could see them qualify for the round of 16 with a game to spare.
As already mentioned, Morocco played out a spirited goalless draw with Croatia in their first game of the 2022 tournament on Wednesday morning.
A bout with the Belgians will undoubtedly represent their toughest game in the group, so the Atlas Lions' chances of qualifying for the knockout round could well rest on their result against Canada.
Outright Betting
Belgium, who have won seven of their last eight World Cup contests, head into Matchday Two as 93/100 favourites with Highbet.
Morocco have triumphed in just one of their last 11 World Cup matches and that is reflected in the odds, with the Africans the 11/4 (Highbet) outsiders while a point apiece pays out at 23/10 (Highbet).
Betting Angles
Belgium's opening performance makes them difficult to trust at odds-on quotes here so I'll opt for an alternative angle via the Bet Builder by merging 10+ Belgium Booking Points and 20+ Morocco Booking Points at 5/6 (William Hill).
Tensions could be running high at the Al-Thumama Stadium on Sunday, with this fixture something of a grudge match due to their being a populous community of Moroccan people in Belgium.
With that in mind, coupled with the state of play in the section, I'll happily back Belgium to pick up at least one booking in this game – something they have done in 11 of their last 14 meaningful matches.
With Roberto Martinez's side expected to dictate the tempo of the game and put on a better showing that last time out, I'll also side with at least two Morocco cards during this contest.
Walid Regragui will no doubt have his charges fired up for this one and his team may have to revert the dark arts here to fend off a Belgium side that have a plethora of talent in midfield and forward areas.
The Red Devils have drawn a minimum of two bookings from four of their last five opponents in competitive competition and I expect that trend to continue here given that this fixture looks set to have all the ingredients required for a fiery battle.
What's more, referee Cesar Ramos has been selected to take charge of this showdown, an appointment that immediately had my eyes drawn to the card markets.
The Mexican whistler has a reputation for being card-happy and that is demonstrated by the fact that his Booking Points per-game avergae across all competitions this season sits at a sizeable 63.5.
It's also worth noting that the above-mentioned Bet Builder would have paid out in Belgium's Group F opener with Canada, and that only adds to the appeal of siding with the same 5/6 (William Hill) wager this weekend.
This World Cup match between Belgium and Morocco will be played on Nov 27, 2022 and kick off at 13:00. Check below for our tipsters best Belgium vs Morocco prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
