Belgium v Russia Tips: Lukaku can be main man for Red Devils

Live on ITV, Belgium go up against Russia at the Saint Petersburg stadium this Saturday at 8pm.

Belgium had a perfect qualification campaign with a total of 30 points collected from a total of 30 possible and will look to start the Euros on the front foot with all three points. They come into this game unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and with so much talent in their squad, they will be one of the favourites to go all the way.

On the other hand, Russia have only lost one of their last five matches coming into the Euros but their head to head record against Belgium is stacked against them. They have lost five of their six meetings against Belgium conceding three or more goals in the last three meetings.

Belgium will look to establish their dominance from the start but the absence of key man Kevin De Bruyne could make things tricky for them here. An intriguing clash is anticipated and I have 3 bets for you as usual:

Team News:

Axel Witsel and Kevin De Bruyne are out for Belgium while Eden Hazard is doubtful to start.

Russia have a fully fit squad.

Belgium possible starting lineup:

Courtois, Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen, Meunier, Tielemans, Dendoncker, Carrasco, Thorgan, Mertens, Lukaku

Russia possible starting lineup:

Shunin, Semenov, Dzhikiya, Kudryashov, Karavaev, Zobnin, Ozdoev, Kuzyaev, Miranchuk, Golovin, Dzyuba

Belgium v Russia Tips

• Lukaku anytime goalscorer @ 11/8 - 1pt (Unibet)
• Roman Zobnin to be carded @ 9/2 - 0.5pt (Bet365)
• Belgium to Win Both Halves & Belgium to Have Most Corners in Each Half @ 20/1 – 0.25pt (Betfair #OddsonThat)

Romelu Lukaku is the man in form at the moment. He scored 24 goals in 32 appearances for Inter this season, five goals in five appearances for Belgium at the Nations League and also scored Belgium’s only goal against Croatia in the warmup game a few days ago. He will be Belgium’s main threat here considering De Bruyne is out. 11/8 looks lovely value for a 1pt stake for our first bet on this game.

Zobnin picked up seven yellow cards and a red card this season in the Russian Premier League this season and also picked up two yellow cards for Russia in five appearances for Russia at the Nations League. He will be up against the likes of Youri Tielemens in the midfield and could pick up a card here. 9/2 looks huge with Bet365 considering the same bet is as short as 5/2 with betfair. 0.5pt staked on this as our 2nd bet for this game.

Belgium will have the upper hand here considering the talent they have at their disposal. 20/1 is a big price for them to win both halves and get most corners in each half too. Will have that as my longshot with 0.25pt staked.

Best of luck if you follow these selections. Please always gamble responsibly.