Russia vs Belgium
Both Belgium and Russia have already qualified for Euro 2020 after very impressive qualifying campaigns. The Belgians, along with Italy, are the only two teams with a perfect still intact through eight matches, while Russia’s only setback was their defeat to the Red Devils in the very first match of qualifying.
But there’s still a lot on the line when the two nations collide in Saint-Petersburg as top spot in Group I remains up for grabs.
Russia must win at home to have any realistic chance of overtaking the Red Devils. But the Euro 2020 betting odds have the Belgians as the favourites to emerge with all three points as the hosts must cope with a significant absentee.
Talking Points
Russia missing key midfielder
Russia’s qualifying campaign has been quite an impressive one. Since losing 3-1 away to Belgium in their opening match, they’ve gone on to win their next seven games in a row.
Despite the fact that they don’t possess a wealth of world-class individual talent, they have still scored27 goals, the second-most in qualifying. Their last two matches alone have seen them smash four goals past Scotland and five past Cyprus.
Artem Dzyuba has been the star of their qualifying campaign with nine goals, which is second behind Israel’s Eran Zahavi.
Midfielder Denis Cheryshev is second on the squad with five goals. He is coming off a terrific performance against Cyprus, where he scored two goals and assisted on two others.
However, the Valencia man will not take part in the match against Belgium due to a thigh injury, which is a huge blow for the Russians’ hopes of securing top spot.
With Cheryshev out, Aleksandr Golovin will be tasked with pulling the strings in the Russia attack and supplying Dzyuba with enough support. Golovin has been in fine form, scoring in each of Russia’s last two qualifiers. He also scored the winner for Monaco over Dijon during the weekend.
Belgium’s near-perfect qualifying
Belgium’s Euro 2020 results during this qualifying cycle have been truly outstanding. Not only are they undefeated through eight games with 30 goals scored — the most in qualifying — they have also conceded just one goal, which is also the best defensive record.
That lone goal they conceded came against Russia in their opening qualifying match. That means they have kept seven consecutive clean sheets and have gone a remarkable 704 minutes without conceding a goal.
However, the Belgians will be without a key member of their three-man defence with Jan Vertonghen still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
It remains to be seen how manager Roberto Martinez will adjust to Vertonghen’s absence. Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer are the main candidates to take Vertonghen’s spot in the back three. Martinez can also opt to switch to a back four with Toby Alderweireld and Thomas Vermaelen as the centre-back partnership.
But Belgium don’t appear to have any such concerns in attack. Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Dries Mertens will likely keep their places, with Kevin De Bruyne — who starred in their 4-0 win over Scotland — pulling the strings in midfield.
Meanwhile, the likes of Thorgan Hazard, Michy Batshuayi, and Divock Origi will provide capable options off the bench.
Lukaku, who has scored an impressive 13 goals in his first 17 appearances for Inter Milan, has also been banging in the goals in qualifying with six. And after a slow start to his Real Madrid career, Eden Hazard is finally starting to round into shape with more encouraging performances of late.
History
Russia will need to beat Belgium to stand a chance of claiming top spot in the group. If they do, it’d be their first-ever win over the Red Devils. The Belgians have four of their six all-time meetings, with the other two resulting in draws.
Belgium emerged 3-1 winners in their opening match of qualifying. After Cheryshev cancelled out Youri Tielemans’ opener, Eden Hazard bagged a brace to hand the Belgians victory.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Russia vs Belgium | Draw 1X2 @ 3.55 |
| November 17, 01:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOBET odds have Belgium at 1.96 favourites to maintain their 100 per cent record in qualifying after their trip to Russia. Meanwhile, the home side are priced at 3.25 to beat the Belgians, with a draw at 3.55.
I quite fancy a stalemate here. The Belgians don’t have much incentive to go for the win as a draw would all but ensure their place as group winners. But they also don’t want to go out and lose their undefeated record in Russia.
On the other side, Cheryshev will be a big miss for the Russians in terms of the quality he brings to the side from midfield. With him not in the side, I see the Russians struggling to break the Belgians down and settling for a point.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
