Scotland host in-form Belgium as they look to end a poor run of results. Three defeats from five matches have put their chances for automatic qualification for Euro 2020 under extreme threat. Meanwhile, the Belgians have won their last five matches in a row. Can the Scots stop the rampant Red Devils? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Scotland suffered a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Russia on Friday which made their chances for automatic qualification thinner. They host a rampant Belgium side at Hampden Park tonight aiming to end a run of two successive defeats. Scotland were beaten 3-0 in Brussels in June and were hammered 4-0 by the Red Devils in a home friendly last year.
Belgium, third at the 2018 World Cup, sit top of Group I with five wins in a row. They were without Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Axel Witsel, but still cruised to a comfortable 4-0 triumph in San Marino on Friday. Steve Clarke’s men will have to be at their absolute best to beat Roberto Martnez’s talented team.
Betting preview
Belgium have been winners in the first half of their last five matches. The Red Devils have also been winners in the first half in four of the last five meetings against Scotland. Therefore, you can back an Away Win in the First Half at odds of 1.80.
Martinez’s team have won their past five meetings with Scotland, without conceding a goal. They have not conceded a goal in their last four matches. The Red Devils have also kept four clean sheets in their last five away matches. For that reason, you can back Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.65.
The last two meetings between these two have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Four of both Belgium’s and Scotland’s last five matches have seen three or more goals scored. Therefore, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.70.
Team news
Scotland forward Steven Naismith missed Friday’s match-day squad due to an ongoing hamstring issue, while midfielder Ryan Jack picked up a knock in training last week.
Ryan Christie and Kenny McLean are pushing for starts after coming off the bench in the second half against Russia.
Belgium are missing captain Hazard and his brother Thorgan through injury, while Witsel is also out, along with defenders Kompany and Dedryck Boyata. Forwards Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens could be restored to the starting line-up.
Possible line-ups
Scotland: Marshall, O’Donnell, Cooper, Mulgrew, Robertson, McGregor, McTominay, McGinn, Forrest, Fraser, McBurnie.
Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Denayer, Meunier, De Bruyne, Dendoncker, Tielemans, Carrasco, Mertens, Lukaku.