Belgium vs Montenegro Predictions

Belgium vs Montenegro predictions for Wednesday’s international friendly in Brussels. Ahead of Euro 2024, Belgium face Montenegro in a warm-up match. Read on for all out free predictions and betting tips.

Friendlies | Jun 5, 2024 at 7:30pm UK at Stade Roi Baudouin

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Belgium vs Montenegro Predictions

Clash of the Generations: Can Belgium’s Experience Outmuscle Montenegro’s Enthusiasm?

This Wednesday evening, Belgium’s golden generation, now slightly tarnished by age, lock horns with an up-and-coming Montenegro side in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly. The Red Devils, under the stewardship of Domenico Tedesco, are unbeaten in their last 12 games, while Montenegro, revitalised under Robert Prosinecki, have won five of their last eight outings. This encounter presents an intriguing clash of styles: experience versus youthful exuberance.

Belgium: A Golden Generation Seeking Redemption

The aura of invincibility that once surrounded Belgium seems to have faded. Key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are on the wrong side of 30, and questions linger about their ability to recapture their peak form. This match provides a platform for them to prove their doubters wrong.

Tedesco is expected to field a strong starting eleven, with De Bruyne potentially making his 100th appearance for his country. The Red Devils boast a formidable attacking unit, averaging 2.8 goals per game in Euro 2024 qualifiers. Lukaku remains the focal point, but the likes of Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku offer dynamism and pace in wide areas.

Defensively, Belgium have been solid under Tedesco, keeping five clean sheets in their last eight outings. Vertonghen and Castagne provide experience at the back, while young guns like Theate are pushing for a starting berth.

Montenegro: Building for the Future

Montenegro enter this match in a buoyant mood. New coach Prosinecki has instilled a sense of belief, and their recent victories over Belarus and North Macedonia demonstrate their progress. However, they haven’t faced opposition of the calibre of Belgium, and this match will be a significant step up.

Their attacking threat revolves around Stevan Jovetic, a player with vast experience at the highest level. Jovetic’s creativity and goalscoring prowess will be crucial if Montenegro are to cause an upset.

Defensively, Montenegro can be porous. They conceded an average of 1.4 goals per game in Euro 2024 qualifiers, and their vulnerability against strong opposition is a concern. Captain Stefan Savic is a rock at the back, but his absence due to injury weakens their central defence.

Key Areas: The Engine Room Battle and Lukaku’s Influence

The battle for control in midfield will be a fascinating duel. Belgium’s midfield trio of Tielemans, Onana, and De Bruyne possess superior technical quality and experience. They will look to dictate the tempo and carve open the Montenegrin defence with their intricate passing.

Montenegro will likely counter with a more physical approach. Marko Jankovic will be tasked with stifling De Bruyne’s influence, while the creative burden of unlocking the Belgian defence will fall on the shoulders of Jovetic and Driton Camaj.

Romelu Lukaku’s performance will be another key factor. If he can rediscover his goalscoring touch, Belgium will be in a commanding position. However, if he is subdued by the Montenegrin defence, it could open the door for a potential upset.

Betting Angles and Predictions

Best Bet: Belgium to Win to Nil

While Belgium’s golden generation may not be at their peak anymore, they still possess immense quality compared to Montenegro. Tedesco’s unbeaten run of 12 matches indicates a well-drilled unit, and with a home advantage, they are overwhelming favourites. The Red Devils boast an in-form attack, averaging nearly three goals per game in Euro 2024 qualifiers. Lukaku, despite his recent struggles, remains a world-class striker, and the likes of Trossard and Doku provide additional firepower.

Montenegro, on the other hand, haven’t faced opponents of this calibre in recent times. Their victories over Belarus and North Macedonia were commendable, but those sides are nowhere near as strong as Belgium. Defensively, they’ve been leaky, conceding over a goal per game on average in the qualifiers. The absence of their captain, Stefan Savic, further weakens their backline.

Considering all these factors, a comfortable victory for Belgium with a clean sheet seems highly likely. The Red Devils are likely to dominate possession, stifle any attacking threats from Montenegro, and capitalise on their numerous scoring opportunities.

Correct Score Prediction: Belgium 2-0 Montenegro

A 3-0 victory for Belgium is a strong possibility, but a more conservative prediction of 2-0 shouldn’t be ruled out. Montenegro might adopt a defensive approach, making it difficult for Belgium to break them down. This could lead to a cagey first half with limited goalmouth action. However, Belgium’s superior quality should eventually shine through in the second half.

The key factor here is Romelu Lukaku. If he can find his scoring touch early on, it could open the floodgates for Belgium. However, if Montenegro can keep him quiet in the first half, they might frustrate the Red Devils and make a contest of it. Nevertheless, Belgium’s overall attacking talent and experience on the big stage make them favourites to eventually break down Montenegro’s resistance and secure a 2-0 victory.

Goalscorer Prediction: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Romelu Lukaku has a point to prove after a subdued season at club level. The pressure to perform will be high, especially with the Euros on the horizon. He’ll be keen to get on the scoresheet and silence his doubters. Playing alongside creative talents like De Bruyne and Trossard will provide him with ample opportunities to find the net.

Lukaku’s physical presence and clinical finishing inside the box make him a nightmare for most defences. He’ll be looking to exploit any weaknesses in Montenegro’s backline and re-establish himself as Belgium’s main attacking threat. Look for him to benefit from the service provided by his teammates and break his scoring duck in this match.

First Half Result Prediction: Belgium to Lead at Half-Time

Belgium’s attacking prowess and experience suggest they will take control of the game from the outset. Their midfield trio of Tielemans, Onana, and De Bruyne possess superior technical quality and game control compared to Montenegro’s midfield. They are likely to dominate possession and dictate the tempo in the first half, creating several goal-scoring opportunities.

Montenegro might start cautiously, focusing on defence to avoid conceding early goals. However, with Belgium constantly probing their backline, it might be a matter of time before they crack. An early goal for Belgium would put them in a commanding position and make a strong case for them leading at halftime.

Market Prediction: Tielemans to Have Over 1.5 Shots on Target

Youri Tielemans is a key creative outlet for Belgium in midfield. He dictates the tempo of the game with his excellent passing range and also possesses a knack for scoring long-range goals. Given Belgium’s dominance in midfield and their attacking intent, Tielemans is likely to have several opportunities to test the Montenegrin goalkeeper from outside the box.

Looking at Belgium’s recent matches, Tielemans has consistently found himself in good scoring positions and has registered at least one shot on target in most of their outings. With Belgium anticipated to control possession and create numerous opportunities, Tielemans looks likely to have more than 1.5 shots on target in this match.

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