Belgium vs Morocco

The lunchtime kick-off on Sunday 27th November sees Belgium take on Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Belgium are ranked number 2 in the world but didn’t live up to that feat in their opening match against Canada. They managed to take away a vital three points thanks to a goal from Michy Batshuayi just before the break but it certainly wasn’t a convincing win.

Morocco held Croatia to a goalless draw and will be mildly confident of achieving something similar on Sunday. They’re not the most prolific of scorers but are tough to break down and I expect them to make things as difficult as possible for Belgium’s attacking players.

There’s every chance that Morocco could play out a draw here but I have faith that Belgium will come good. If they get a goal then I can’t see Morocco coming back and so at odds of just over Evens, a Belgium win is my selection.

I’m not expecting many goals in this game and can see Belgium winning it by just one. Belgium 1 – 0 Morocco is my pick at odds of 13/2 with Bet365.

Morocco do have players who can pose a threat in front of goal but they have a poor scoring record in World Cup tournaments, finding the net in just over 50% of their matches played. BTTS – No at 10/11 is advised.

I’d back Michy Batshuayi to bag his second goal of the 2022 World Cup. The ex-Chelsea forward registered over half of Belgium’s attempts on goal against Canada and providing he gets the nod ahead of Lukaku, I’d take him to get on the scoresheet first.

Draw/Belgium is my pick in the HT/FT market. Morocco should proe to be tough to break down but I think Belgium should pose enough threat in the final third to grab a goal in the second half.

Under 3.5 cards would be my selection in the card market. I don’t think either side will pick up enough cards to warrant backing a player to be carded.

Belgium expected starting lineup:
Courtois; Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Dendoncker; Meunier, Onana, Witsel, Carrasco; De Bruyne, E. Hazard; Batshuayi

Morocco expected starting lineup:
Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal