Prediction: Belgium vs Belarus

Verdict: Romelu Lukaku to score 2+ goals

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Tuesday night and find a route to the top of Group E, Belgium will welcome Belarus to Heverlee.

Belgium

Starting with the hosts, while Belgium might still be tipped as a landslide favourite to clinch top spot in Group E, The Red Devils will be hoping for a more polished display in midweek. Eventually having to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on foreign soil and watching the weekend’s hosts create a string of chances, Roberto Martinez has been vocal about his side’s issues at the back. Despite coming from behind in their qualifying opener and romping their way to a 3-1 victory against Wales in Heverlee, the one-time Wigan Athletic boss has seen his squad record just a single clean sheet in their previous nine matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to September. Nevertheless, rightfully smelling a golden chance on Tuesday night, Martinez’s superstars will be looking to fill their boots. Bagging the equalizer over the weekend, it could be worth keeping an eye out for a red-hot Romelu Lukaku in midweek. Finding the net in both of Belgium’s opening Group E contests, the Inter Milan ace has already racked up 32 goals for club and country so far this season.

Team News

Dropping two points against the Czech Republic over the weekend, Roberto Martinez isn’t expected to make many changes in Heverlee.

After finding the net in both of Belgium’s opening two qualifying contests, Romelu Lukaku will once again lead the line on Tuesday night. Likewise, Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne will line-up in Martinez’s midfield.

Belarus

As for the visitors, while a 3-2 defeat against Albania in their final Nations League contest back in November might have cost them a route out of League C, The White Wings did open their qualifying campaign with victory over the weekend. Although Mikhail Markhel’s side might be tipped as a landslide underdog if they’re to somehow secure a spot out of Group E, they did eventually pick up a late action-packed 4-2 win against Estonia on Saturday. However, with many across Europe feeling that Belarus will be in a battle with Estonia to avoid lifting the wooden spoon, they have continued to show some real issues on foreign soil. Including that 3-2 defeat against Albania four months ago, Tuesday’s guests have also suffered losses away at both Georgia and a 5-3 hammering against Romania. Facing their first meeting against Belgium in midweek, Belarus should be buckling themselves in for what could quickly turn into a long night in Heverlee.

Team News

Coming through Saturday’s 4-2 win against Estonia with no fresh injuries or suspensions to worry about, Estonia are not expected to make many changes in midweek.

After both coming off the bench over the weekend, Syarhey Kislyak and Pavel Savitski could be hoping for a start in Heverlee.

Key Factors to Consider

• Having to settle for a 1-1 draw over the weekend, Belgium have managed to record a single clean sheet in their last nine matchups across all formats.
• Finding the net in both of Belgium’s opening two Group E contests, Romelu Lukaku has recorded 32 goals for club and country this season.
• Belarus have failed to win any of their last four straight away fixtures, a run highlighted by 3-2 and 5-3 defeat against Albania and Romania.
• Belgium have scored over 1.5 goals in each of their previous 17 competitive fixtures on home soil.
• Four of Belarus’ last five matchups on foreign soil have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Belarus might have managed to pick up that late 4-2 win against Estonia over the weekend, Tuesday’s guests face an overwhelming test on foreign soil. With Belgium having to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic last time out, there is no doubt that Roberto Martinez’s men will be looking to lay down a clinical marker. Holding a stunning record on home soil and a landslide pick to romp their way out of Group E, Romelu Lukaku and co should be smelling a golden chance in Heverlee. Up against a Belarus side that have shown a host of defensive issues on the road, including 3-2 and 5-3 defeats against Albania and Romania, the Inter Milan ace should be confident of adding to his free-scoring run. Opening up Belgium’s qualifying campaign with back-to-back goals, it is well worth keeping an eye out for the former Manchester United ace in midweek.

Verdict: Romelu Lukaku to score 2+ goals

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet