Liechtenstein and Belgium will lock horns in World Cup qualifying at Rheinpark Stadion on Thursday night.
It would be fair to say that these two nations have made contrasting starts to their respective qualifying campaigns.
International minnows Liechtenstein have come away empty-handed from each of their opening three matches in Group J, losing to North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and then Wales.
That trio of defeats has left Konrad Funfstuck’s side propping up the pool, which doesn't bode well ahead of a visit from Belgium.
Rudi Garcia’s side failed to hit the ground running when conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw away at North Macedonia.
However, the Red Devils rebounded with a thrilling 4-3 win over Wales last time out, in a game that brought up two of my three selections.
How the bookies view it: Belgium big favourites
It’s no surprise to see that the bookies consider this as a complete mismatch, with Liechtenstein a towering 20/1 on Boylesports to triumph while the draw is also considered highly unlikely at 9/1 with the same firm.
As for Belgium, there is no value in siding with the visitors on Thursday night at a lowly 1/80 on Boylesports.
Head to head: History book blank
Somewhat surprisingly, Liechtenstein and Belgium will cross paths on the international circuit for the first time ever on Thursday night.
Players to watch: Tielemans a touch of value?
Youri Tielemans has scored in two of his previous six appearances for his country, including against Wales back in June. With that in mind, the Aston Villa ace stands out for an anytime strike here at 11/8 on Boylesports.
Aron Sele has been booked six times across his previous 13 appearances for Liechtenstein, making him a strong contender to pick up another card here at 21/20 on Bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Liechtenstein – whose squad is predominantly made up of players from FC Balzers and FC Vaduz – have a clean bill of health ahead of Thursday night’s fixture with Belgium.
Meanwhile, Belgium boss Garcia will be unable to call upon the services of record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku who looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a thigh injury. As such, Lois Openda is expected to spearhead the visitors' attack on Thursday night.
Liechtenstein: Buchel; Goppel, Traber, Malin; Kindle, Luchinger, Hasler, Sele, Wieser; Saglam, Luque-Notaro
Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Debast, De Winter, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda
Anything else catch the eye?
With Belgium simply unbackable in the majority of markets on Thursday night, I’ll get creative by using the Bet Builder tool.
Bundling up Belgium to win by a four-goal margin or more alongside a goal range of 4-6 will bring about a backable 21/20 shot on Bet365.
Liechtenstein fell to a 4-0 loss in their last outing against Scotland in a friendly fixture, and they now face a serious upgrade on that challenge on Thursday night.
GambleAware