Prediction: Belgium vs Montenegro

Verdict: Belgium win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to pick up some pre-Euro 24 momentum on Wednesday night, Belgium will welcome Montenegro to Brussels for a friendly showdown.

Belgium

Starting with the hosts, suffering an infamous World Cup nightmare in the winter of 2022 as they failed to progress out of the group stage, Belgium found themselves at the heart of a public crisis. However, turning to Domenico Tedesco last year in an attempt to steady the ship, the Red Devils are clearly enjoying life under the former RB Leipzig boss. Storming their way to this summer’s European Championships and unbeaten in all of their eight Group F appearances, Wednesday’s hosts find the mood in their camp at a recent high. Last seen during March’s international break putting in another eye-catching display as they snatched a 2-2 stalemate away at England, Belgium are unbeaten in all of their previous 13 consecutive appearances across all competitions.

Team News

While Thibaut Courtois might have played a crucial role as Real Madrid got their hands on a 15th European crown over the weekend, former Chelsea shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois has not been included in Belgium’s squad. While Man City ace Kevin De Bruyne might be expected to play a leading role in Germany this summer, the 32-year-old could be handed a rest in midweek.

Notching 13 Serie A goals while on loan with Italian giants Roma last season, Romelu Lukaku should spearhead Belgium’s charge and earn a 115th international cap on Wednesday night.

Montenegro

As for the visitors, while Montenegro might have eventually finished just three points off booking an iconic Euro 24 ticket, the Brave Falcons will take plenty of positives away from their brave qualifying efforts. Continuing on an impressive rise up the FIFA standings, Robert Prosinecki’s men will be excited by a trip to Brussels on Wednesday night. Last seen during March’s international break securing a 1-0 win at home against North Macedonia, the Reds have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. However, facing a monumental challenge here, Montenegro will be worried by their extended issues on foreign soil. Including a 3-1 loss against Hungary, Prosinecki’s side have recorded just a single away victory over the past 24 months.

Team News

Helping Olympiacos get their hands on a maiden Europa Conference League crown last week, one-time Manchester City striker Stevan Jovetic will spearhead Montenegro’s charge and earn a 77th international cap here. Although Stefan Savic might be dealing with a recent knock, the Atletico Madrid defender has been included in Prosinecki’s squad.

Notching eight Championship strikes with Preston last season, 24-year-old Milton Osmajic has been included in Montenegro’s squad and could be handed the chance to spearhead Prosinecki’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• In their only historic meeting back in May 2012, Belgium and Montenegro played out a 0-0 stalemate.
• The Red Devils are unbeaten in all of their previous 13 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
• Belgium have not suffered a single defeat on home soil since a 4-1 drumming against Holland back in June 2022.
• Montenegro have lost consecutive appearances on foreign soil by a scoreline of 3-1.
• Wednesday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of victories from any of their previous 10 matchups.

Conclusion

Relishing their trip over to Germany this summer and enjoying a major Euro 24 qualifying romp last year, Belgium are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide contender on Wednesday night. Unbeaten in all of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions, Tedesco’s side will be hoping to avoid a potential banana skin here. While Montenegro might be enjoying their own recent flurry, we are expecting a home victory for the European giants in midweek.

Verdict: Belgium win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Luckster