New Zealand vs Belgium Prediction: Red Devils to be wasteful again

Don't you just love final group-stage matches that have high stakes. This is exactly the case in the Group G clash between New Zealand and Belgium at the FIFA World Cup on Friday (9pm local time/Saturday 4am BST, BBC Two). Both sides know that a win here would guarantee them a place in the round of 32.

Read on for my New Zealand vs Belgium predictions, aided by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Belgium's Jeremy Doku is expected to be available for this fixture, having briefly left camp to fly back to England for the birth of his child. Dodi Lukebakio may be given the nod to start in Doku's place, however.

Arthur Theate is expected to start in defence following Nathan Ngoy's dismissal against Iran last time out. Timothy Castagne is another player who may come into the back line.

The Red Devils have not looked particularly threatening in the tournament so far but the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Traossard and Kevin De Bruyne will retain their places in the side.

The same XI has taken to the field in both of New Zealand's fixtures in Group G to date, so an unchanged line-up seems likely for this contest.

Elijah Just has been a bright spark for the All Whites and he bagged a brace against Iran on matchday one. Striker Chris Wood assisted both goals as New Zealand's all-time top scorer waits to open his account in North America.

New Zealand vs Belgium Odds

New Zealand are seen as huge outsiders to win this game, with Betfred marketing them at 14/1.

Belgium's opening two matches were draws and it's 6/1 for a third consecutive stalemate here. The Red Devils are 2/11 to come away with the three points.

New Zealand's two group stage fixtures so far have gone Over 3.5 Goals, which is available at 5/4 for this one.

Double Chance - New Zealand Or Draw @ 3/1

I've not been impressed with Belgium at the World Cup so far, whereas New Zealand have fared better than I expected before a ball was kicked. With a lot riding on this clash, both teams can't afford any mistakes.

Belgium have had to settle for two draws thus far and I'm inclined to believe that a third is a real possibility when they face New Zealand. This feeling has led me to the Double Chance market, with New Zealand or Draw priced at an enticing 3/1, which has an implied probability of 25%.

The stalemate seems the most likely outcome, but I wouldn't write off the All Whites pulling off a shock given Belgium's current form.

Both Teams To Score - Yes @ 11/8

I also like the look of Both Teams To Score - Yes, which is on offer at 11/8 for this clash. This has been a successful bet in five of Belgium's nine most recent fixtures in all competitions.

There have also been goals at both ends in New Zealand's two outings at the World Cup so far, and I'm expecting this trend to continue in Vancouver.