Belgium are the clear favourites for Group E at Euro 2024, so anything but three points will be seen as a missed opportunity for the Red Devils. However, second place could be very close between Slovakia and Ukraine, so it's important the former do not embarrass themselves and keep goal difference intact.
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Belgium vs Slovakia prediction: Red Devils looking to make a statement
Key stats
- Belgium are on a 14-game unbeaten run
- Slovakia have won their last two games by the exact scoreline of 4-0
- The Red Devils have never lost a game against Slovakia
Pre-game odds and win probability: Belgium to get off to a winning start
- Home: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.2%
- Draw: 3/1 (4.0) – 25%
- Away: 5/1 (6.0) – 16.7%
Belgium have long been one of the most admired footballing nations but never reached a final since boasting their golden generation, formerly managed by Roberto Martinez. However, a 14-game unbeaten run which has seen them come up against the likes of England, Germany and Croatia is not to be sniffed at, so it's no surprise they're favourites.
However, don't expect Slovakia to just turn up and roll over, they will look to be competitive and the Red Dveils' recent game against England shows their defence can be gotten at, so we'd back the BTTS market. Although, you may have faith in this new-look Belgium defence and if so, check out our free betting tips page for further inspiration.
Last five H2Hs: Everything is up in the air
These two nations have only faced off on three separate occasions throughout history with them all coming in international friendlies. Belgium won the most recent encounter in 2013, but before that, it was back-to-back draws in 2002 and 2006, but this Red Devils side is very different to the one back then.
Belgium preview: A win is necessary
Belgium know there will be a lot of expectations on Belgium to perform given how they have been doing leading into the tournament. While some of their top players are indeed ageing, they are expected to top their group with ease.
Predicted lineup: Casteels, Vertonghen, Castagne, Theate, Debast, Tielemans, Onana, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Trossard, Doku
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
W
Ukraine
0
Belgium
3
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
L
Ukraine
3
Belgium
1
UEFA Nations League A 17/11/24
L
Israel
1
Belgium
0
UEFA Nations League A 14/11/24
L
Italy
1
Belgium
0
UEFA Nations League A 14/10/24
L
France
2
Belgium
1
Slovakia preview: Must look to keep it competitive
According to the bookmakers, Slovakia have the smallest chance of qualifying out of Group E and having Belgium as their first game will not do them any favours. It's just one defeat in their last seven games including two 4-0 wins, so they may well be going under the radar.
Predicted lineup: Dúbravka; Pekarík, Škriniar, Vavro, Hancko; Bénes, Lobotka, Kucka: Suslov, Boženík, Haraslín
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
Slovenia
1
Slovakia
0
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
D
Slovenia
0
Slovakia
0
UEFA Nations League C 19/11/24
W
Estonia
0
Slovakia
1
UEFA Nations League C 16/11/24
L
Sweden
2
Slovakia
1
UEFA Nations League C 14/10/24
W
Azerbaijan
1
Slovakia
3
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku is Belgium's all-time top scorer with 85 goals and is well ahead of Eden Hazard in second place. So, he'll be their danger man and if the striker can find the back of the net consistently, Belgium will be a threat.
Golden Boot contender
Lukaku finished runner-up for the Golden Bott at Euro 2020 with four strikes and at 31, this could well be his final EUros starting through the middle for his country. So, the former Manchester United man will be looking to show the continent what he's capable of doing.
The latest Tweets from each camp
Belgium
Spotlight on our first #EURO2024 opponent. ? #BELSVK pic.twitter.com/bWM38e9A9L
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 17, 2024