Belgium return to the Saint Petersburg Stadium, where the world’s number one ranked nation began their Euro 2020 proceedings in emphatic style against Russia, prior to a second-half comeback win away in Copenhagen against the Danish Dynamite.
Meanwhile, Finland will be hoping to add to their three points on the board, to possibly stand a chance of securing one of the third-best finishing positions and sneak into the knockout stages.
Euro 2020: Group B
Monday 21 June
Saint Petersburg Stadium
21:00
To Win
Finland 8/1
Draw 39/10
Belgium 1/3
Finland
The Eagle-owls come into the clash with a slim glimmer of hope, however, it’s not completely in the minnows’ hands as they’ll be depending on a favourable result in the other Group B tie which sees Denmark play host to Russia.
Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky was beaten just once in the tournament by a brilliant left-footed Aleksey Miranchuk strike and will now have his hands full against Romelu Lukaku in phenomenal form.
Finland will have little chance if they don’t get on the scoresheet themselves, coach Markku Kanerva will pin his hopes on Joel Pohjanpalo, Marcus Forss, Teemu Pukki and Fredrik Jensen.
Belgium
Belgium, on the other hand, welcomed back Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel who made significant impact off the bench, along with captain Eden Hazard.
Coach Roberto Martinez admitted that his troops struggled in the first half against Denmark and were “shell-shocked” in front of the packed Copenhagen crowd.
The Spanish coach is likely to tinker with his team selection but with quality in abundance across the pitch, Belgium should prove to be too much for Finland’s defence.
While Lukaku under the close supervision of Thierry Henry, will look to this game as an opportunity to set himself in good stead for the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards, following back-to-back Man of the Match displays.
Prediction: Belgium (-1) Handicap (19/20)
Belgium have too much in their ranks for Finland to pose a threat. The Red Devils are set to ring a few changes, however, with the opportunity to bring five substitutes off the bench. I only see one winner in this contest. Take Belgium on the (-1) Handicap to boost your odds, but if you’re looking for a value bet – Away To Win Both Halves (Yes) is priced up at 2/1.
Written by Bryan Naicker