Belgium v Russia Betting Tips: Over 2.5, 2019-03-21

Euro Qualifiers Tips

BELGIUM v RUSSIA
European Championship Qualifiers
Thursday 21st March 2019
Kickoff: 1945hrs
Pick: Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker: Marathonbet
Odds: 1.67 (odds taken at 05:35 GMT, 19 Mar 2019)

In one of the most attractive opening matches of the group stages in these European Championship qualifiers, Belgium play host to Russia as the betting tips continue at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels with the hosts looking to get off to a quick start.

European Championship Betting at Marathonbet

Belgium Prediction

Belgium recently blew their chance of securing a semi-final spot in the UEFA Nations League when they suffered a heavy 5-2 loss away at Switzerland in the final match of Group 2 in League A which saw them lose out to the Swiss on goal difference despite both nations finishing on 9 points apiece.

Belgium had made a solid start to their Nations League campaign by recording three wins on the trot with wins against Iceland (home and away) and Switzerland at home, but fell at the final hurdle, losing 5-2 in Luzern.

Anyhow, it was promising to see the Belgian scoring goals again and indeed, three of their four group matches saw the total of over 2.5 goals achieved, whether the Red Devils won or lost! Belgian manager, Roberto Martinez has some key attacking talent at his fingertips with the likes of the Hazard brothers, playmakers Tielemans and Januzaj, Lukaku, Benteke and Batshuayi providing the explosive spearhead in attack.

These key attacking personnel should ensure Belgium create plenty of goalscoring opportunities, even without the majestic De Bruyne, and the hosts will be very aware that their form at home holds the key to their success in this group.

 

Key-Facts – Belgium v Russia

  • Belgium won 3 of their 4 group matches in the Nations League
  • 3 of Russia’s last 5 matches have seen over 2.5 goals scored
  • The last meeting between these two nations ended in a 3-3 draw

 

Russia Prediction

It was a case of ‘as you were’ for Russia following a Nations League campaign which ultimately saw the visitors remain in League B as they finished as painfully close runners-up to Group 2 winners, Sweden, after being edged out by the Swedes on a single goal difference.

To be beaten by a single goal margin is a tough pill to swallow but perhaps Russia might have learned a lesson there as they prepare for a tough opening Group I clash with Belgium on Thursday night.

Russia remained unbeaten at home during the group stages by sharing the points with Sweden in a 0-0 draw before recording a 2-0 win over Turkey, and although they registered a 2-1 win away at Turkey as well, their weak link came in a 2-0 loss away to Sweden which put an end to their hopes of promotion up to League A.

Three of Russia’s last five matches in all competitions have gone over 2.5 goals, and with attacking personnel of their own in the shape of attacking midfielder Erokhin and forward Dzyuba up front, the visitors might nick themselves a goal here.

Betting Tips Verdict

Belgium are heavy favourites to win here, but I reckon we’ll see some goals too.