Prediction: Scotland vs Belgium

Prediction: Belgium win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The World Cup has been and gone this summer, but that doesn’t mean that international football is over. In fact, the international break is upon us, and both the Scots and the Belgians are going to be viewing their upcoming friendly as much more than that. Both nations have something to prove ahead of the preparations for UEFA Euro 2020, and while they may be in two very different positions, that rarely means anything in the realms of a 90 minute game between two nations.

Scotland

When you haven’t qualified for a major international tournament for as long as the Scots, it can start to get in your head. The nation is full of energetic and hopeful football fans, but as of late, they haven’t had too much to shout about. If they can utilise the physicality and determination in their squad then they could find success, and as we look ahead to Euro 2020, they should view all of the other underdog nations as inspiration for what they can accomplish in the next few years.

Team News

Ryan Jack, Steven Naismith and Robert Snodgrass have all been added to the Scotland squad in the wake of many players withdrawing, although they’ve still got a squad that’s more than capable of pulling off the upset.

Belgium

Under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, the Belgians were able to finish 3rd this past summer in the World Cup – which is something that some will see as a success, and others will see as a failure. Either way, the Golden Generation were able to register an impressive performance at the WC, and they’ll look towards Euro 2020 as a great opportunity for them to go a few steps further. In terms of the game against Scotland, they probably won’t even need to reach their top gear in order to get the result – and that’s just the harsh truth.

Team News

Kevin De Bruyne and Adnan Januzaj are both out injured, but aside from that, the majority of stars who helped Belgium towards a great World Cup finish are set to star at Hampden.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Hampden Park.
• Belgium lead 10-4 in the overall head to head standings.
• Scotland have won just one of their last six games.
• Belgium won their last meeting 2-0, back in September 2013.
• Belgium have won five of their last six games.

Conclusion

This new Scotland team are still trying to gel together as a unit, and even in a friendly, that can take its toll on the result and individual performances. Belgium are still one of the strongest teams in world football and there’s no denying that, as evidenced by the fact that they were able to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. We think that the Scots will do well early on and perhaps even get a few good opportunities in, but in the end, the Belgians will run away with a convincing 2-0 victory.

Prediction: Belgium win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365