BELGIUM will be looking to make a fast start at the European Championship as they face Slovakia in their opening Group E fixture.
While both teams have looked decent in the build-up to the tournament, the Belgians will be counting on their superior quality to give them the edge over a dangerous Slovakian side.
Belgium are considered one of the frontrunners for this year’s European Championship, although they have crashed at the quarter-finals in the last two editions. This will be the last chance for glory for some of their golden generation with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne coming to the end of their careers.
The Belgians were unbeaten during the qualifiers, claiming six wins from eight matches. Domenico Tedesco’s men have looked sharp in their recent friendlies, claiming a 2-0 victory over Montenegro before running out 3-0 winners over Luxembourg.
Slovakia will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage in this year’s competition having failed to reach the knockout phase at Euro 2020. They impressed during the qualifiers, claiming seven wins from 10 matches to finish second behind Portugal.
Like Belgium, Slovakia have also looked solid in the build-up to the tournament. Francesco Calzona’s men travel to Germany off the back of successive 4-0 wins over San Marino and Wales.
How the bookies view it: Belgium the superior power
Belgium have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/2 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Slovakia is valued at 6/1 while a draw is set at odds of 100/30.
Head to head: Belgians unbeaten
Belgium have never lost to Slovakia, claiming one win and two draws from three previous matches. The last meeting was a friendly in 2013 which ended 2-1 in favour of the Belgians.
Recent H2H duels:
- 06/02/2013 (International Friendly) – Belgium 2-1 Slovakia
- 20/05/2006 (International Friendly) – Slovakia 1-1 Belgium
- 17/04/2002 (International Friendly) – Belgium 1-1 Slovakia
Players to watch: Lukaku looking tournament ready
Romelu Lukaku already looks fired up for the tournament having netted a brace in Belgium’s last friendly. The striker now has 13 goals in his last 10 appearances for the national team and is priced at 9/10 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Robert Bozenik has also shown some good form lately and was on target in Slovakia’s final friendly fixture. The forward will be keen to carry that form into the tournament and is priced at 4/1 by Betfred to find the net on Monday.
Probable line-ups
Romelu Lukaku should lead the line for Belgium and could be supported by Leandro Trossard who has also been in good form. Captain Kevin De Bruyne is expected to hold the fort in midfield.
Robert Bozenik should feature in attack for Slovakia alongside Lukas Haraslin. Captain Milan Skriniar is also expected to start in the heart of defence.
Belgium: Casteels, Meunier, Witsel, Faes, Castagne, Onana, Mangala, Doku, Carrasco, De Bruyne, Lukaku
Slovakia: Dubravka, Hancko, Skriniar, Vavro, Pekarik, Lobotka, Duda, Kucka, Suslov, Haraslin, Bozenik
Anything else catch the eye?
Belgium and Slovakia have plenty of quality in attack and both teams could be backed to score at 10/11 with bet365. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/11 by Betfred, who is also offering 2/1 for over 3.5 goals.
The Belgians are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory and could be backed to earn a win and over 2.5 goals at 6/5 by Betfred.
This Euro 2024 match between Belgium and Slovakia will be played on Jun 17, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Belgium vs Slovakia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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