Belgium vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview
There’s a big clash in World Cup Qualifying Group H when Belgium take on Bosnia-Herzegovina this Friday. Read the match predictions to find out why Belgium are the betting tip to get three points and seize the initiative.
Belgium vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Preview
Belgium hardly needed to get out of second gear when coasting to a 0-3 away success over Cyprus in their opening match and sit 3rd in the table. Bosnia-Herzegovina were also in cruise control and smashed 5 past Estonia to top the group on goal-difference.
Roberto Martinez fielded a strong side for the trip to Nicosia and given the strength of opposition, he’s unlikely to make any unforced changes. Tottenham duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld will form a solid centre-back pairing and will be protected by the double-pivot of Fellaini and Witsel in midfield. Kevin De Bruyne is injured which could pave the way for Dries Mertens or Kevin Mirallas to play on the right flank.
Bosnia-Herzegovina are likely to pack the midfield here in an attempt to make things difficult for the hosts. That would see Mehmed Baždarević ditch the 4-4-2 formation used in the easy win over Estonia and revert to the setup he used with success in the Kirin Cup. Asmir Begovic should continue in goal behind an unchanged back four. Up front, Edin Džeko will play as the lone striker with support from either Vedad Ibišević or Milan Đurić in the hole.
Team Predictions Belgium vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Belgium 4-2-3-1 formation: Courtois; Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Meunier; Fellaini, Witsel; Carrasco, Hazard, Mertens; Lukaku
Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-4-1-1 formation: Begovic; Vranješ, Spahić, Zukanović, Kolašinac; Višća, Pjanić, Medunjanin, Lulić; Đurić; Džeko
Belgium vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Betting Tips
- Belgium have won 6 drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches
- Bosnia-Herzegovina have won 7 drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Belgium have scored an average of 1.8 goals and conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Bosnia-Herzegovina have scored an average of 2.1 goals and conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Belgium’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s previous 10 matches
(Photo by SAKIS SAVVIDES/AFP/Getty Images)
After a stuttering start at Euro 2016, Belgium looked to be finally getting their act together until they were humbled in a 3-1 defeat to Wales. That saw the end of Marc Wilmots’ tenure and Roberto Martinez oversaw a tepid performance in his first match which ended in a 2-0 defeat to Spain. However, the players are getting used to his tactics now and never looked troubled against Cyprus.
Bosnia-Herzegovina didn’t make it to France after losing in the play-offs to Republic of Ireland. Instead, they took part in the Kirin Cup where they beat Denmark on penalties after a 2-2 draw and secured a narrow 2-1 win over hosts Japan. They had things all their own way in an easy match against Estonia last time out but that won’t be the case here.
Belgium’s squad is absolutely brimming with talent and they just need to get it right at a major tournament. In qualifying, they had little trouble getting to Brazil 2014 and France 2016 and this is arguably an even easier pool of teams to contend with.
Kevin De Bruyne will be a big miss but if they can maintain a steady supply of chances to Romelu Lukaku, then it’s hard to see the visitors keeping him at bay. Add to that the threat of a revitalised Eden Hazard and there only looks to be one winner here. Yes, Bosnia-Herzegovina are capable of causing problems but the Belgian back line will be tough to break down.
Free Betting Tips
Match Prediction
Belgium to win at 4/9 with bet365
Over/Under Prediction
Under 2.5 goals at 19/17 with 888Sport
Correct Score Prediction
Belgium to win 2-0 at 13/2 with 888Sport
Click here to see more football previews, predictions and betting tips