Prediction: Belgium vs Russia

Prediction: Belgium to win 2-1

Best Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Belgium and Russia will lock horns with each other at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg this weekend. The Euro 2020 Group B fixture is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time on Saturday and promises to be an exiting game of football.

Belgium

Belgium will head into the European Championship this month among the favourites. Roberto Martinez’s side have won wonderful players, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, and will be confident about going all the way in the Euro 2020 finals.

The Belgians have been drawn against Russia, Denmark and Finland in Group B. Martinez and his players will be confident of picking up maximum points from their three games and going through to the next stage of the competition with ease.

Team News:

De Bruyne suffered an injury during the Champions League final against Chelsea, and it remains to be seen if the Manchester City midfielder is able to return to full fitness against Russia. Hazard played against Croatia in a friendly international on Sunday.

Russia

Russia will know that they are unlikely to win Group B. Belgium are the clear favourites, and Denmark will fancy their chances of finishing second. However, the third spot is up for grabs, and the Russians will be targeting that to earn a place in the next round.

Stanislav Cherchesov’s side will arrive at the Euros in good form. Russia got the better of Bulgaria 1-0 and played out a 1-1 draw with Poland in their two warm-up games.

Team News:

Aleksandr Golovin will be a three for Russia.

Key Factors to Consider

• Belgium have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 10 Euro games.
• Belgium have scored at least 2 goals in their last 10 Euro matches.
• Russia have won 8 of their last 9 Euro games.
• Russian have kept a clean sheet in 7 of their last 9 Euro matches.
• Belgium have won 5 of their last 6 matches against Russia in all competitions.

Conclusion

Belgium have the stronger squad, and on paper, they should win with ease. However Russia will have home advantage, and that will play a factor. The Belgians should still pick up maximum points from the encounter, but it is not going to be easy at all.

Prediction: Belgium to win 2-1

Best Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Betfair