Belgium vs Canada: Ageing defence and Lukaku absence are concerns for Red Devils
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World Cup 2022: Belgium vs Canada odds, preview and tips
Belgium’s much-vaunted golden generation get their last chance to make an impact at the World Cup, although the feeling remains that they missed their opportunity in Russia where they reached the semi-finals.
The world’s second-ranked team are 8/11 favourites to finish top of Group F and the Belgium winning odds are 1/2 as they start their campaign against Canada, making their first appearance at the finals in 36 years.
You can check our World Cup Group F guide by clicking on the link, but let’s look at some of the main talking points in our Belgium v Canada betting tips.
Belgium vs Canada form
Belgium are 18/1 in the World Cup winner odds having reached at least the quarter-finals in their last four major tournaments but their ageing defence of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld could come under pressure against the Canadians, coached by Englishman John Herdman.
The Red Devils beat favourites Brazil en route to the semis four years ago when they lost to eventual winners France, but have lost twice to the Netherlands in the Nations League over the last few months.
Belgium kept just one clean sheet in that campaign, conceding in both games against Wales, so Roberto Martinez’s side to win with goals at both ends catches the eye at 9/4 in the World Cup odds.
2️⃣6️⃣ reasons to watch the #WorldCup. 👀 #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/YyAN2Bfk8e
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 15, 2022
The Canadians surprisingly finished ahead of Mexico and the USA as CONCACAF group winners despite being without Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies for the last six games, but their last match against a European team was a 1-0 friendly defeat by Iceland almost three years ago, so their lack of experience against major nations could prove a factor in their opener.
The Belgians’ backline may be creaking but they still have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and the fit-again Eden Hazard in their squad, although injuries have restricted Romelu Lukaku to just three starts in his loan spell with Inter Milan this season and his absence for this game means Michy Batshuayi is likely to start up front.
Although outplayed by the Netherlands, the Red Devils smashed Poland 6-1 in the Nations League and we’ll go with the favourites to win and over 2.5 goals at 23/20 as one of our Belgium v Canada betting tips.
Belgium vs Canada head to head
The only meeting between these teams came in 1989 when Belgium ran out 2-0 winners and they are 6/4 to win to nil once again in the World Cup betting.
Canada’s only appearance at the World Cup had come three years earlier when they lost all three group games against France, Hungary and the Soviet Union without scoring.
Belgium vs Canada team news
Lukaku has been included in the 26-man squad but will miss Wednesday’s game when Batshuayi could start as the main striker in a 3-4-3 formation as he has in the last five matches.
Thorgan Hazard has also been struggling with his fitness, so Thomas Castagne and Yannick Carrasco are fighting it out for the left wing-back position.
UPDATE: Lukaku, Vertonghen and Thorgan Hazard will do an individual session today. Koen Casteels feels ill and won't be on the pitch tonight. #DEVILTIME
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 16, 2022
Thomas Meunier has recovered from a fractured cheekbone sustained during Borussia Dortmund’s win against Hannover on October 19.
Davies, who plays up front for Canada despite playing at right-back for Bayern Munich, missed the last two matches for the Bundesliga champions with a torn hamstring and is doubtful.
Belgium vs Canada goalscorer odds
Batshuayi is the 3/1 favourite to break the deadlock or evens to score, bearing in mind he was the joint top scorer in Belgium’s Nations League group with three goals.
De Bruyne and in-form Brighton midfielder Leandro Trossard bagged a couple during that campaign and are 9/2 and 5/1 respectively to score the game’s opener, and 17/10 and 9/5 to find the net any time.
Travel day ☑ Now let's prepare for the #WorldCup! 🇧🇪 #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/hqR753pMLT
— Leandro Trossard (@LTrossard) November 15, 2022
Youri Tielemans scored the opener against Wales in Cardiff and is 10/1 and 7/2 in our Belgium v Canada World Cup tips.
For Canada, Club Brugge’s Cyle Larin netted 13 goals in total during qualifying and is 9/1 and 10/3 in the two markets, while Lille’s Jonathan David is 17/2 and 3/1 having struck nine times in helping Canada secure their spot in Qatar.
Match Info
Where: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
When: 19:00, Wednesday 23rd November
How to watch: BBC
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
