Belgium vs Russia Predictions, Tips, Line-Ups & Odds (Euro 2020 - Group B)
- Written by Simon Bettarini
Belgium travel to Russia for their opening fixture of Euro 2020 at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg. Will the Red Devils of Belgium open up with three points on Saturday? Check out here our Belgium vs Russia betting preview with predictions, expert tips, probable line-ups, team news, how to watch the match, highest odds and bookie promotions!
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How to watch Belgium v Russia
The match is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Belgium vs Russia will be televised on ITV for free. UK viewers will be able to watch the match online via the ITV Hub.
Belgium vs Russia Betting Preview
Belgium enter this clash on the back of a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Croatia in their final warm-up game before the Euros. Prior to that Roberto Martinez's side only recorded a 1-1 against Greece. The Red Devils of Belgium were absolutely unstoppable on their route to the European Championships as they cruised through the qualifying campaign without any hiccups - 10 wins out of 10 games with 40 goals scored - beating Russia 4:1 and 3:1 in the process. Since finishing third at the World Cup, Belgium have won 21 of their 25 games in all competition, with just two defeats.Russia arrive at the European Championship on the back of a 1-1 draw against Poland and a 1-0 victory over Bulgaria in their pre-tournament friendly matches. They comfortably qualified for The Euros, winning eight of their ten group matches, scoring 33 goals and conceding only eight in the process. Anyway, 2020 was a forgettable year for the Russian team as they failed to win six of their eight games. They had a very poor Nations League campaign and were soundly beaten by Serbia (5-0) in the last match.
Best Odds
Despite their odds are drifting, Belgium remain favourites to win this clash (7/8 with Betway). Betfred offer 13/5 for the draw while "Russia to win" is backable at 41/10 with Unibet.Probable Line-Ups
Belgium (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen; Meunier, Tielemans, Dendoncker, Carrasco; T. Hazard, Mertens; LukakuKevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel are likely to miss out. Hence, the likes of Leander Dendoncker and Youri Tielemans are expected to start in the middle of the park. Furthermore, Eden Hazard may not be risked yet as he returns to fitness after an injury-affected campaign for Real Madrid. His brother, Thorgan, is likely to join Dries Mertens in the offensive midfield duo behind the lone striker ROmelu Lukaku. Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will surely start in defense. Jason Denayer and Thomas Vermaelen are in competition to complete Belgium's back three.
Russia (3-4-2-1): Shunin; Barinov, Dzhikiya, Semenov; Fernandes, Zobnin, Ozdoev, Kuzyaev; Miranchuk, Golovin; Dzyuba
Russia are expected to mirror Belgium's 3-4-2-1 formation with captain Artem Dzyuba leading the line. Aleksey Miranchuk and Aleksandr Golovin will play behind the striker. Fedor Kudryashov will play no part against Belgium due to a calf problem, and Roman Evgeniev has been called up to the squad to replace Andrey Mostovoy following a positive coronavirus test. Brazilian born Mario Fernandes and Daler Kuzyaev are expected to start as wing backs.
Belgium v Russia Predictions
Roberto Martinez’s side are currently ranked No1 in the FIFA world rankings. The Red Devils may not have De Bruyne to call on, tbut they have plenty of star quality throughout their squad and should be able to see off a Russia side they eased past twice in qualifying. Opening group matches tend to be cautious affairs, so we go for the 2-0 scoreline, the "Belgium to win & Under 3.5" bets.
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