Israel – Belgium

Israel and Belgium will square off in a crucial Euro 2016 qualifying game, with the two sides on the back of totally opposite results. Whoever wins this will climb to the first place in Group B.

The home side lost 3-0 to Wales over the weekend, their first loss after previously winning all three group games. Israel played with 10 men for the final 40 minutes, but the score was already 0-2 and Wales’ win was never put in question. It clearly showed Israel’s limits and the fact that they were a little lucky to win their first three games. The hosts reamain a very cohesive squad and team spirit remains high despite the loss according to players, but Belgium will be a huge task today.

The Devils started the qualifying campaign a little out of focus, gaining just 5 points in the first three games, but they came in motivated and concentrated over the weekend – showing their potential in a 5-0 drubbing of Cyprus, playing flawless offensive football. Belgium is 1 point behind Israel and 3 points behind Wales, so they could really do with another win today in Jerusalem.

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Team news: Israel will have Eitan Tibi suspended after his red card against Wales and the manager could choose to rotate the squad a bit after the weekend disaster. Belgium continues to miss Defour and Lukaku, but the returning Benteke successfully replaced the Everton striker over the weekend. Otherwise, the visitors should field a very similar team to the one that routed Cyprus.

Belgium needs the points here and looking at how they performed over the weekend, it should be another win for Wilmots’ men. Israel should be able to show some better football this time around, but it still will not be enough against a focused, motivated Belgium team. Look for the visitors to exploit Israel’s defensive weakness and put a couple of goals past them.

My tip is Belgium to win with a 1 goal asian handicap – the odds are not great, but they are fair considering the circumstances. Prediction: Israel – Belgium 0-2.

Pick: Belgium (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.81 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.48
Event date: 31 March