Belgium – Cyprus

Belgium takes on a surprising Cyprus side in this Euro 2016 qualifying match, with the hosts in massive need for points.

Belgium’s start to the qualifying campaign has been rather disappointing with just 5 points in 3 games and the hosts find themselves on the 4th spot – albeit they do have one less game played. A win today would send things back to normal and guarantee them at least the third place at the end of the round. Belgium did not play bad so far, but they were a little sluggish in front of goal, not taking their chances, which resulted in two draws with Wales and Bosnia.

Out of nowhere, after a couple of horrific years, the Cyprus team has 6 points so far – springing dreams of a historic qualification, but things are not as good as they seem for the visitors. They beat Bosnia 2-1 in a total fluke and defeated Andorra, but showed their low quality in the defeats to Wales and Israel, allowing 2 goals each time. The visitors are a decent side but in all honesty they are nowhere near Belgium’s level and will probably not have an impact in this group as the rounds pile up.

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Team news: Belgium will be hurt by the losses of Lukaku and Defour, two key players. On the bright side, Christian Benteke returns to the team and is ready to start instead of Lukaku, should the manager see fit. Cyprus is in a much worse state than Belgium right now, at least 5 important players not being able to be in the lineup today.

Belgium is in a must win situation, they need to get back on track and meet a currently overrated, clearly inferior side. With a weakened lineup and without proving any defensive qualities so far in the group, Cyprus looks set to concede at least a couple of goals from the hosts. I expect Belgium to dominate this match and even if they are not effective in front of goal, they should still win by at least 2.

My tip is Belgium -2 asian handicap, but I can see the Devils going for an even bigger spread if they have a good day. There is no room for error as far as Belgium is concerned, they will want to win this as clearly as possible and I`m confident the hosts will deliver. Cyprus’ wins over Bosnia and Andorra were the only ones in the last 17 matches for the visitors, a timespan in which they lost 12 times. Prediction: Belgium – Cyprus 4-0.

Pick: Belgium (-2 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.72 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.76
Event date: 28 March