Group B of the Euros will have its final set of showdowns as three members await their fate. Belgium will take on Finland after already having secured their spot in the knockout stages.
Belgium
The Red Devils secured a spot in the Round Of 16 following a nervy win against Denmark. Kevin De Bruyne played a role in both of the goals coming off the bench to seal the win. They only need a point now to finish top of the group.
The fuelled cameo by the playmaker could well turn into a full-time duty after his clearance from the front orbital fracture injury. Yet to lose a single game, including the qualifiers, the number one ranked team in the world showed that they can be a threat even when they are not at their best.
After struggling in the first half against Denmark, where they were arguably outplayed, they turned the switch after half-time to become the first team to execute a comeback at this year’s Euros.
They now return to Russia, a place with fond memories, strongly associated with their third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.
Since qualification is secured, Roberto Martinez would hope to rotate the squad and still finsih top of the group.
Injury to Timothy Castagne means that Thomas Meunier will have to continue at the right side of the field. Kevin De Bruyne, having only played 45 minutes so far in the competition could get more minutes with one of Youri Tielemans or Leander Dendoncker rested. This will ensure that the midfield is sharp for the knockout stages.
Eden Hazard is also one of the candidates along with Axel Witsel who could be awarded a start due to lack of minutes and the stake not being much high in this clash.
Finland
The Scandinavian nation pulled up a sensational 1-0 win against Denmark and while the contest will be remembered for other reasons, the points do count.
They followed the famous win up with a disappointing loss to Russia and now face an uphill battle against the mighty Belgium.
Finland have only managed to register 2 shots on target across their Euro campaign so far. The team desperately require Teemu Pukki to turn up in the final third.
Jukka Raitala is expected to start after he missed their fixture against Russia. A lot of responsibility also lies on Rangers star Glen Kamara.
Waging Odds: Finland (10.00) vs Belgium (1.35) (Draw 4.75)
Finland are massive underdogs and are priced at 1.00, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹1000.
England are priced at 1.35 and are the favourites. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹135 if they come out as winners.
The odds for a draw are placed at 4.75. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹525 if the fixture ends all level.
Our Prediction
Most of the tournament favourites have got wake-up calls in form of draws, Belgium would hope not to get on the list and seal the deal with a comfortable win.
The Red Devils were on the backfoot against Denmark initially but managed to recover in time. They should ease past this Finland side who have struggled in attack.
A 3-0 win for Belgium is on the cards with their superior strengths across all departments. They should not be troubled by Finland even if they manage to put up a scare.
Place your bets for the match here.
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