Belgium vs Senegal Prediction: AFCON finalists fancied

Belgium somehow managed to top Group G with a big win over New Zealand, having drawn their opening two group fixtures. Their ‘reward’ for doing so is a tricky round-of-32 clash against AFCON finalists Senegal, who got through with their own big win over Iraq, having lost to France and Norway.

These two meet at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday (1pm local, 9pm BST, ITV1) and below you can find my Belgium vs Senegal predictions. 

Team News

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia must decide once again whether to start Romelu Lukaku or leave him on the bench. It seems like the latter is more likely with Charles De Ketelaere preferred, supported by in-form Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. 

Defender Zeno Debast is back in training but is unlikely to start, with Nathan Ngoy back available after his suspension. He could come back in for Arthur Theate.

Senegal put in their best performance of the tournament without two experienced heads in Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly. The goalkeeper remains out injured with Mory Diaw his replacement, while Abdoulaye Seck is a feature in place of Koulibaly, who is fit, at centre-back.

Midfielder Pape Gueye scored two belters off the bench against Iraq but is still unlikely to start, while manager Pape Thiaw played Ibrahim Mbaye ahead of Nicolas Jackson in that final group game and so Ismaila Sarr should play centrally once again. Iliman Ndiaye remains an option from the bench.

World Cup Odds

Belgium vs Senegal Odds

Belgium are priced as the 23/20 favourites to win this game in 90 minutes, with Senegal at 12/5. A draw which would force extra time is 12/5, while over 2.5 goals is 11/10.

You can find all the other odds for this game on the link above.

Senegal to win the tie @ 5/4

I just don’t rate Belgium at all at this World Cup, and five goals against New Zealand has done nothing to change my mind. I think they are seriously shaky at the back, with the back four yet to be truly penned in during any group game, while their attack is not what it once was. 

Unless De Bruyne or Trossard can produce a moment of magic, I would much rather side with Senegal, despite their two group stage defeats. Kylian Mbappe killed them against France, and Erling Haaland scored twice for Norway. Belgium do not have that level of number nine, and so Senegal should be able to get the best out of their own attacking threats. 

I’m happy to back them to win this tie, as it might go the distance, but I think this is where the value lies.   

Ismaila Sarr to score (Sub Switch) @ 3/1

With Jackson failing to deliver in the number nine role and Sadio Mane not the winger he once was, Sarr has become the star man of Senegal’s attack. He has scored three goals so far at the World Cup, two against Norway and once vs Iraq. 

I think he is the biggest threat they have and given I’m siding with Senegal, I think he’s a massive price to bag a goal. After a 21-goal season for Crystal Palace, he’s come into this tournament in flying form, and I think he could be the match winner in Seattle. 

Betfred's Sub Switch offer rolls your bet to the oncoming substitute, so you stay in the game, even when your player doesn’t.