Belgium vs Romania Prediction: Lukaku can get back on track
Belgium were the only nation ranked inside the top nine of FIFA’s world rankings to lose in matchday one, as they suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in Group E. With Romania winning handsomely in their first match against Ukraine, Edward Iordănescu knows that another three points here will take his side through to the last 16 and put Belgium on the brink of elimination.
Below you can find my Belgium vs Romania Prediction, featuring team news and betting tips.
Team News
Belgium created several chances but couldn’t take them in that defeat to Slovakia, with Romelu Lukaku being the man that squandered several efforts. He is set to start again, but it will be interesting to see if Domenico Tedesco makes any changes behind him. Kevin De Bruyne was quiet, as was Leandro Trossard who is likely to lose his place. Jan Vertonghen is also set to be fit to start at the centre of defence.
Meanwhile Romania are near-certain to name the exact same team that thumped Ukraine 3-0, as they got off to a flying start at Euro 2024. Radu Dragusin is expected to star at the heart of defence once again.
Belgium predicted line-up: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana, De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku, Bakayoko
Ukraine predicted line-up: Niță; Rațiu, Drăgușin, Burcă, Bancu; Rus, Răzvan Marin, Stanciu; Man, Drăguș, Mihăilă
Belgium are the favourites to win this game, priced at 47/100 to do so, giving them an implied win probability of 68%, while Romania are a big price at 29/5. A draw can be backed at 7/2, over 2.5 goals is 73/100 and BTTS is 93/100.
Belgium to win @ 47/100
I know this seems like a risky pick given they failed to score, and lost in their opening game. But Belgium’s xG was 1.83 in that match in comparison to Slovakia’s 0.66, and they squandered so many chances to find the net. If Tedesco and his players can keep their cool, I believe they should bounce back, even up against tougher opposition in Romania.
I was so impressed with them in that massive win over Ukraine, and they will now truly believe they can make it to the knockout stage. A win here could even secure them top spot, but I think they will not be able to impose themselves quite so easily on Belgium. De Bruyne and Co must be wary of what Romania can offer on the counter-attack, but I think they will have enough to win this game.
Romelu Lukaku to score first @ 29/10
This man has to start taking his chances if Belgium are going to perform at this tournament. In fairness, he had two goals ruled out for offside against Slovakia and was in excellent positions throughout the game, so I’ve got no doubt he will get on the scoresheet a few times before the tournament is out.
Nobody seems to be able to stop Jeremy Doku on the wing, and his constant supply of chances means I am fairly sure Lukaku will find the net against Romania. His international goalscoring record is phenomenal, and I expect he will get back on track by bagging the first goal on Saturday night.
Check out our other Soccer Betting Predictions here.
