Belgium vs Egypt Prediction: Dazzling Doku to play his part in Red Devils win

Belgium and Egypt have the privilege of opening Group G at the FIFA World Cup on Monday in Seattle (12pm local/8pm BST, BBC One). Having finished third in Russia back in 2018, the Red Devils crashed out of the group stage in Qatar four years ago, so they'll be seeking improvement in North America.

Egypt's last appearance at this tournament was in Russia and they suffered a group-stage exit. Below you'll find my Belgium vs Egypt predictions, featuring the latest team news and match odds from Betfred.

Team News

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois dropped a bombshell on Friday by saying he may contemplate retiring from international football following the conclusion of the World Cup. The 34-year-old is set to be a fixture in net for the Red Devils throughout the tournament.

Exciting winger Jeremy Doky eased fears after a slight injury scare in training. The Manchester City star returned to training on Wednesday, so he should be fine to take his place in the starting line-up on Monday.

Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku look set to complete Belgium's attacking trident.

Mohamed Salah remains the star name in the Egypt squad and he'll take his place on the right flank against Belgium. He's likely to link up with Man City's Omar Marmoush, who's set for more consistent minutes in North America than he was getting in the Premier League.

Belgium vs Egypt Odds

Belgium have won three of the four previous meetings and they are 8/13 to come out on top in this first-ever competitive encounter.

The Red Devils have drawn 3 of their last eight outings and the stalemate here is valued at 11/4.

Egypt are a 9/2 shot to come away with the three points.

Dodi Lukebakio has two goals in his last three appearances for Belgium and he is 5/2 to score in the Sub Switch market.

Sub Switch - Pre-match Bet Builder and Single bets on qualifying Player selections.

Match Result & Total Goals Over/Under 2.5 - Belgium & Over @ 6/4

Given how Belgium have dominated this fixture in the past, and the fact that I think they have a stronger squad than Egypt, I have to back the Red Devils to get off to a winning start in Group G.

After their dreadful performance in Qatar, Belgium are set to be fired up for this tournament so Egypt should expect an energetic start from their opponents. I've added Over 2.5 Goals to the selection because goals have not been in short supply in Belgium matches lately.

Four of their last seven fixtures have produced three or more goals, which includes five-goal displays against USA and Tunisia in their most recent friendly.

Player To Score Or Assist (Sub Switch) - Jeremy Doku @ 9/10

Having watched Doku over the past few years at Man City, there aren't many wingers who are as exciting as him to watch. The ball does seem like it's glued to his feet at times, and the trickery that he causes down the left flank is something that can get supporters off their seats in North America.

I think he's going to have a starring role for Belgium at this tournament and I think he's good for backing to score or assist against Egypt after he set up two of the Red Devils' goals against Tunisia.