Poland vs. Belgium Predictions: Robert Lewandowski tipped up in the shots market

The Nations League may have come in for dollops of criticism, especially its timing after a long and gruelling European season, yet one group that hasn’t disappointed is Group A4, which has been jam-packed with goals and drama. There’s still all to play for at the half-way stage, with the focus of this piece on the clash between Poland and Belgium in Warsaw on Tuesday night.

Netherlands lead the way at the summit with seven points from three games, followed by both Belgium and Poland on four points apiece, whereas Wales prop up the table with one point to their name so far.

If Belgium and Poland want to keep pace with the Netherlands they will need to win in Warsaw tonight; if either side lose they could find themselves six points adrift should Netherlands overcome Wales. 

Both countries have had a mixed start to proceedings. After a surprise 4-1 defeat to Netherlands in their group opener, Roberto Martinez’s men hammered Poland 6-1 last week, only to then concede a late equaliser away to Wales. Meanwhile, either side of that heavy loss, Poland beat Wales and claimed a 2-2 draw away to Netherlands: a match they actually led 2-0.

Belgium are the 13/10 favourites to complete the double over Poland, who themselves are available around 21/10 to claim the spoils on home soil, with a draw available at 5/2.

Robert Lewandowski did not take to the field during Poland's 2-2 draw away to the Netherlands, meaning he should slot straight back into the starting-11 tonight.

It goes without saying that Lewandowski is a humongous threat no matter who he plays for or who he faces. With 75 goals on the board, he’s Poland’s top goalscorer by some distance - 30 goals - adding to his sizeable goal collection last time out against Belgium.

He’s now scored a whopping 57 goals for club and country since last August and I fully expect him to be amongst the attacking action at home to Belgium, who have allowed their three opponents 35 shots so far. With that said, I like the look of Paddy Power’s boosted 4/1 on the striker to have one or more shots on target in each half.

The inconsistent performances of both countries makes it difficult to stamp my flag to a victor in this match, especially considering that favourites Belgium are without star players Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Poland, who have only lost once at home since November 2020, proved what a threat they can be during the 2-2 draw against Holland - which they’ll be disappointed not to have won - while Belgium switched off in the closing stages of their match against Wales, who equalised late on. The Red Devils’ away form has been patchy too, failing to win in their last four trips on the road, three of which have been score draws.

Given the amount of goals that have been hammered home in this group - all six games have seen both teams score for a combined 24 goals - we like the look of BetVictor’s 18/5 for a score draw. Poland have scored and conceded in six of their last seven games, while BTTS has landed in seven of Belgium's last eight fixtures.