Prediction: Belgium vs Poland

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Belgium are set to welcome Poland to the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Wednesday evening as the fresh edition of the UEFA Nations League rolls on to its second round. 

Belgium

It feels a bit underwhelming that this generation of Belgian players hasn’t been able to land an international trophy so far. Without a doubt one of the best teams in the world, at least by looking at the names of the players and their respective successes at club level, and yet, when they come together to represent their country in a major tournament, their campaigns fall apart at one stage or another and the cloud of disappointment remains over the heads of their supporters.

This particular competition brought pain for Roberto Martinez’s men right at the start as neighbours Netherlands left Brussels victorious (1-4) just a few days ago. It was Steven Bergwijn, Memphis Depay (twice) and Denzel Dumfries hitting the goals past Simon Mignolet, as Thibaut Courtios got some well-earned rest after his heroics in the Champions League final brought glory to Real Madrid a week before. Michy Batshuayi was the one who nailed a very late consolation for Belgium.

On the other hand, the World Cup qualifications proved not too difficult for the Belgians as they won Group E quite comfortably, five points ahead of second-place Wales. It feels it might be the last relatively realistic opportunity for the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, and perhaps even Romelu Lukaku, to bring the greatest trophy in international football to their country.

But right now, their focus is surely on facing Poland in the Nations League and the chance to improve their morale after the Netherlands defeat.

Team News

Lukaku collided with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake after 27 minutes of the match against Netherlands and twisted his ankle. Speaking after the match, Martinez said things did not look good for the Chelsea striker, which means Dries Mertens, as well as Batshuayi, will be casting a hopeful eye towards the coach while he puts the names of his starters on the paper.

Thorgan Hazard and Yannick Carrasco will also be hoping to get the not on the attacking flanks, while Youri Tielemans could be an option to shake things up in the middle of the park.

Poland

Like Belgium, Poland will also be at the World Cup this year. Having been given a free pass in the semifinals of the play-offs due to the suspension of Russia, they beat Sweden in the final to book a place at the tournament in Qatar. And like so many of Belgium’s players, it’ll probably be the last chance for Robert Lewandowski to make his mark at a World Cup, though sadly for him, his team can hardly hope to earn the title of world champions. With all due respect, a place in the knockout stages is arguably the best they can hope for.

On the other hand, Poland began their Nations League campaign by beating Wales 2-1 at the Stadion Wroclaw as Jakub Kaminski and Karol Swiderski struck to overturn Jonny Williams’s opener for the visitors. Therefore, they travel to Belgium sitting second to Netherlands on goal-difference.

Further more, their recent form is quite impressive, with seven triumphs from their last 10 matches in all competition and a three-game unbeaten streak going strong at the moment. Czeslaw Michniewicz’s team found the back of the opposition net at least once in 19 consecutive matches, which perhaps isn’t that surprising given the quality of the player they usually deploy upfront.

Team News

Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was left out of the squad completely for the Wales match and 23-year-old Kamil Grabara did very well between the posts in his absence. However, Szczesny will be expecting to retake his place in the team on Wednesday.

Lewandowski will surely play in attack, but Adam Buksa, who played by his side against Wales, might make way for Swiderski or perhaps Krzysztof Piatek. Kamil Glik will likely partner Jan Bednarek in the heart of defence again.

Conclusion

Despite the results of the opening round, Belgium are the obvious favourites to win this clash as they boast far more quality overall. But you’d still expect someone like Lewandowski to get on the scoresheet in a match like this.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet