SWEDEN will be hoping Belgium take their foot of the gas after qualifying for Euro 2024 as they bid to keep their own faint hopes alive with a victory in Brussels.
The Belgians got over the line on Friday night with a thrilling 3-2 victory in Austria that sent them three points clear at the top of Group F on a great night for our man Gabriel. That was a blow for the Austrians but they are still red-hot favourites to join Belgium in the finals as they sit seven points clear of the Swedes, having played a game more.
Anything less than a Swedish victory in Brussels will seal the deal and it's hard to hold out much hope for them, given Domenico Tedesco's side romped to a 3-0 victory in Stockholm.
With the Austrians facing Estonia and Azerbaijan in their final two games, it will take a miracle for the Swedes to catch them but they have no option but to go all out for the win in Brussels.
Belgium's golden generation are losing their lustre and Euro 2024 could be a last hurrah for the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne before they join Eden Hazard in hanging up the boots.
But there's emerging talent in their ranks as well and Tedesco has made a decent start since taking the reins from Roberto Martinez. A draw in Austria is the only blemish on their record in Group F and the Italian will want his side to top the section.
How the bookies view it
Despite having already qualified, Belgium are red-hot favourites for this one at a best 7/10 with Unibet. Sweden are as big as 9/2 at Betfred while the draw pays 29/10 at Unibet.
Head to head
Belgium have held the upper hand in this fixture, winning nine of the 15 encounters and losing just five. The Red Devils are also unbeaten in their last five meetings with Sweden, winning four of those games. You have to go all the way back to 1961 for the last Swedish victory over Belgium.
Players to watch
Tedesco will probably still play a strong side as he will want to secure top spot in the group. Star striker Lukaku has been on fire in this campaign, with an incredible nine goals so far, and is 5/4 at Betfred to add to that tally. The odds increase to 6/1 at SkyBet if you back him to score a header.
Spurs star Dejan Kulusevski was given the night off in midweek as he was kept on the bench for the 3-1 friendly win over Moldova. The winger should start in Brussels and is 15/2 at Paddy Power for a goal. He's also a tempting 19/20 with Unibet just to have a shot on target.
Anything else catch the eye?
This should be an open game as Sweden need to go for the win so BTTS could be worth a punt at 10/11 with QuinnBet. The same price is available at Unibet if you go for over 2.5 goals while the same firm price over 8.5 shots on target at 19/20.
Backing most goals to come after the break paid off for Gabriel in Belgium's midweek win and that bet also landed when these sides faced off in Stockholm. That suggests a repeat could be worth backing here at 11/10 with McBookie.
This Euro 2024 match between Belgium and Sweden will be played on Oct 16, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Belgium vs Sweden prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
