Scotland v Belgium: Prem stars primed to shoot down Scots

A glance at the current Belgian squad might leave you in danger of mistaking it for a Premier League select XI.

The likes of Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Christian Benteke and Simon Mignolet all hold down places in coach Marc Wilmots’ plans, and with talents like that at their disposal there is little wonder why many have tipped the Belgians to be the dark horses at the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

First they have to qualify for it though, and that prospect will become much more likely should the 8/11 favourites win against already eliminated Scotland at Hampden Park.

With the attacking resources at Wilmots’ disposal as well as the form of Liverpool’s Mignolet – who became just the third goalkeeper in Reds history to record three clean sheets in his first three league games by shutting out Manchester United last weekend – that win looks likely, with Belgium’s price of 15/8 to win to nil another that intrigues.

The real value could be found in backing those Belgian attacking talents who frequently impress in the Premier League though.

Twenty of the last 22 goals that Belgium have scored have come from players plying their trade in England’s top flight.

Aston Villa’s Benteke tops the chart with six strikes in that time, and the powerhouse forward is 5/1 to open the scoring at Hampden Park and 11/5 to find the net any time in an away win.

Hazard and his Chelsea teammate Kevin De Bruyne are both available at 4/1 to score a goal which helps their side to victory, whilst Manchester United new boy Marouane Fellaini is 9/2 in the same market.

With Scotland having lost five of their last eight matches – including their most recent home qualifier against Wales – that Premier League-powered away win looks likely, with another step towards Brazil taken along the way.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication