Belgium will take on North Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, 10 October, in a crunch match in the race to the finals next summer.
North Macedonia have been the surprise package in Group J so far, and with just three matches to play, they are on top of the group, with Belgium and Wales trailing by a point.
A win for either side here would flip the group on its head as we reach the climax of World Cup qualifying in Europe.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our Belgium vs North Macedonia prediction below.
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Belgium vs North Macedonia prediction: The visitors to avoid defeat
Key Stats
- Belgium have won less than half of their last 11 matches.
- North Macedonia are unbeaten in their last 11 competitive matches.
- Both teams scored the last time these two sides met
Correct score prediction: Belgium 1-1 North Macedonia
This was the scoreline when the two nations met earlier in the group stages, in what was an enthralling and close affair. While home advantage could help Belgium get over the line, North Macedonia are currently in a state where they have almost forgotten how to lose.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Belgium go in as the overwhelming favourites
- HOME: 1/6 (1.17) – 85.7%
- DRAW: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.3%
- AWAY: 18/1 (19.00) – 5.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite being the group leaders, the Belgium vs North Macedonia odds suggest that North Macedonia are the rank outsiders on Friday night. Ladbrokes have given the visitors just a 5.3% chance of winning the match, while Belgium have been given an 85.7% chance of picking up the three points.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Only a second meeting in 12 years
This will be just the second time that these two teams have met since 2013. The most recent clash came earlier in this qualification period, when North Macedonia held Belgium to a point. An identical result here would give the visitors a tremendous chance of qualifying for the finals next summer.
Belgium preview: Lammens called up
Belgium have called up Senne Lammens for their squad for the first time, with the young goalkeeper now considered Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper. Youri Tielemans has been left out, though, as he continues to receive treatment for a calf problem that looks like it could be worse than first thought.
Predicted lineup: Courtois (GK), Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper, Raskin, Onana, Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard, De Ketelaere
Last five results
- Belgium 6-0 Kazakhstan
- Liechtenstein 0-6 Belgium
- Belgium 4-3 Wales
- North Macedonia 1-1 Belgium
- Belgium 3-0 Ukraine
North Macedonia preview: Looking to keep things tight
North Macedonia will head to Belgium hoping to pick up another vital point towards qualification, so don't expect them to be expansive in any way on Friday night. Bojan Miovski will be vital at the top of the pitch, and his hold-up play could allow his defenders to have a breather every now and then.
Predicted lineup: Dimitrievski (GK), Ilievski, Zajkov, Stojchevski, Alioski, Churlinov, Bardhi, Alimi, Elmas, Miovski, Trajkovski
Last five results
- North Macedonia 5-0 Liechtenstein
- Saudi Arabia 1-0 North Macedonia
- Kazakhstan 0-1 North Macedonia
- North Macedonia 1-1 Belgium
- North Macedonia 1-1 Wales
Player to watch: Kevin de Bruyne
Many people felt that Kevin de Bruyne's best days were behind him when he left Man City in the summer, but he has since rejuvenated his career at Napoli and looks more than capable of playing at the highest levels for a few more years yet. Can he bring his club form to Belgium?