Belgium v Slovakia Prediction, Tips and Odds: Lukaku can inspire Red Devils

Partner Authors Updated: 17 Jun 24 08:00

The Red Devils of Belgium find themselves unbeaten in 15 games under current boss Domenico Tedesco and have a fine opportunity to extend that sequence in their Group E opener against Slovakia in Frankfurt.

The Belgian 'golden generation' has seemingly passed now, without ever gaining the sort of success many had predicted.

A disappointing World Cup first-round exit in Qatar in 2022 was their final tournament together but, under Tedesco, Belgium have made assured progress.

There isn't the clamour of recent years to suggest Belgium are amongst the likely tournament winners, they are 16/1 to lift the trophy, but they remain a difficult opponent, not to be underestimated.

Belgium are 12/25 to get the win in Frankfurt, with Slovakia 21/4 and the stalemate priced at 7/2.

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Belgium v Slovakia betting tips and predictions

Belgium half-time/full-time - 13/10

Belgium's most recent loss was a 2-0 reverse to surprise package Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar.

Tedesco inherited the post after their elimination and his side are unbeaten in 15 games since, winning six of eight qualifiers and scoring 22 goals along the way. They conceded only four goals in those eight games.

Slovakia qualified as group runners-up behind Portugal, with Luxembourg their nearest pursuers. They lost home and away against the group winners and were behind at half-time in both of those games.

Belgium, meanwhile, were in front at half-time in all six qualifying wins. That is a trend that can be continued in Frankfurt.

Like a few other nations at Euro 2020, Francesco Calzona's Slovakia will be eyeing progress to the knockouts knowing that their opening game is not the one they'll lean most heavily on.

Further games against Romania and Ukraine will be key to Slovakia's journey in Germany.

Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are excellent creative options for Belgium, as is Leandro Trossard, while up top Romelu Lukaku remains well capable of finding the net at 31 years old.

The Belgian attacking unit should pierce Slovakia's rearguard during the opening 45 minutes and go on to win this game quite comfortably.

Romelu Lukaku to score first - 3/1

Long-established as Belgium's all-time leading scorer, Lukaku is closing in on a century of goals for his country. He begins Euro 2024 on 85, and should be adding to that tally across three Group E games where Belgium will be expected to shine.

In their final warm up game against Luxembourg, the frontman helped himself to a brace.

In the central attacking role, Lukaku will be positioned perfectly to thrive on the service provided by Manchester City pair Doku and De Bruyne as well as Arsenal's Trossard. He's also on penalty duty.

He is the focal point of the Belgian attack, by far their most prolific finisher and is fair value to break the deadlock.

Ondrej Duda to be booked - 11/4

Verona midfielder Ondrej Duda is set to be in the middle of the field for Slovakia, competing alongside the likes of De Bruyne.

With Belgium sure to dominate the ball, the 29-year-old midfielder will be asked to hunt it down for his side and make some tackles.

In the Serie A season just ended, Duda fell foul of the match officials with regularity. He twice picked up double yellows, and was cautioned a further 10 times in his 32 appearances.

Furthermore, he was booked in both qualifiers against Portugal, suggesting that he may once more struggle against superior opposition in Belgium.

He was booked four times in his last seven Serie A games of the season, despite completing no more than 45 minutes in three of those games. He is fancied to get his name taken in Frankfurt.

Belgium v Slovakia odds

Belgium - 12/25
Draw - 7/2
Slovakia - 21/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.