Belgium vs Romania Prediction: Euro 2024 Team News and Lineups Preview

We bring you our Belgium vs Romania prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview courtesy of Scott Thornton.

The Belgians suffered a shock defeat against Slovakia in their opening game so they cannot afford a slip-up here. Romania, on the other hand, earned an emphatic victory over Ukraine. The second round of fixtures in this group will have a huge impact on the landscape and could determine who reaches the knockout stages so Belgium cannot afford to be wasteful once again.  

• Belgium vs Romania Tip 1: Belgium -1/1.5 Asian Handicap
• Belgium vs Romania Tip 2: Over 2.5 Goals
• Belgium vs Romania Tip 3: Romelu Lukaku To Score

Belgium vs Romania Prediction 1: Belgium Set to Respond

England, Euro 2024, Saturday, June 22nd, 20:00 (UK)

Belgium’s place in the tournament will be in jeopardy if they fail to pick up all three points in this match. They came into the tournament in fine form, having not suffered a defeat since their group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar. Prior to the defeat against Romania, Belgium had been enjoying a 14-match unbeaten run. They had scored an average of 1.92 more goals per game than their opponents during that marvellous run.

Despite the result, there were some positives in Belgium’s opening game. Domenico Tedesco’s side enjoyed 61% of possession and created several big opportunities. They wound up finishing the game with an xG of 1.91 while Slovakia had an xG of just 0.59. Belgium created four big chances to Slovakia’s one. Therefore, we are backing them to cover the Asian handicap in this game.

Romania had just 29% of the ball as they beat Ukraine 3-0. They were incisive on the break but created very little in the way of clear-cut chances. Irodanescu’s men should come unstuck as they face Belgium.

• Belgium vs Romania Prediction 1: Belgium -1/1.5 Asian handicap (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.05
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Belgium vs Romania Prediction 2: A Game That Promises Goals

Given how lethal Romania looked in the win over Ukraine, backing over 2.5 goals in this match looks a great bet. The Ukrainians were mooted as dark horses by many before the start of the tournament and their collapse in the opening game highlights just how dangerous Edward Iordanescu’s side can be.

Romania know they will see very little of the ball once again but they have shown they can contribute to the overall goal count regardless. They have failed to score in just two of their last 10 competitive matches.

Since Domenico Tedesco took charge, Belgium matches have seen an average of 2.86 goals per game. The loss against Slovakia was just the second time they have failed to score under the new manager but they did manage to create a decent amount. They finished the game with 16 attempts, which is just higher than their average of 14.57 shots since the World Cup in Qatar. A similar performance would likely see them find the net on a couple of occasions against Romania.

• Belgium vs Romania Prediction 2: Over 2.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Belgium vs Romania Prediction 3: Lukaku Searching For Redemption

It seems inconceivable that Romelu Lukaku will be as wasteful in front of goal in Belgium’s next game so we are backing him to find the net against Romania. The nation’s all-time top scorer had netted 85 goals for his country and will be keen to make amends for his below-par display. 

Lukaku had 3 shots, all of which were considered big chances as Belgium lost 1-0 to Slovakia. The striker, who spent the season on loan at Roma from Chelsea, finished the game with an xG of 0.89. The striker has scored twice in Belgium’s warm-up match against Luxembourg and was seemingly full of confidence. Romelu has dealt with plenty of setbacks in his career so he should be able to bounce back here.

Romelu Lukaku has been prolific at certain stages of his career. The move back to Chelsea following a stellar spell at Inter Milan has done him no favours. Since then, he has spent two seasons on loan in Serie A. He has managed to score 25 league goals across those two seasons. 

• Belgium vs Romania Prediction 3: Romelu Lukaku To Score (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.00
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Belgium Vs Romania Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:42, June 17th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Belgium vs Romania Euro 2024 Team News and Possible Lineups: Romania Set to Name An Unchanged Team

There were no injury concerns for Tedesco following their defeat in their opening group game. However, the manager may opt to make some changes after the disappointment. Lois Openda enjoyed a fantastic season at RB Leipzig and could address their plight in front of goal. Johan Bakayoko replaced Oral Mangala in midfield fairly early on so he could be given the nod to start here. 

Romania couldn’t have hoped for a better start and it seems unlikely the manager will change a winning formula in their second match. Both of their central midfielders got on the scoresheet against Ukraine and Iordanescu will be hoping they can make an impact once again.

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Carrasco; Bakayoko, Onana, De Bruyne; Doku, Trossard, Lukaku

Romania possible starting lineup:
Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; Man, Marin, Marin, Stanciu, Coman; Dragus

Euro 2024 Match Stats: Lady luck to shine on Lukaku?

• Belgium scored the most goals in qualifying with an average of 2.75 goals per game. 
• Romelu Lukaku scored 14 goals in qualifying, beating Cristiano Ronaldo to the Golden Boot by four.
• Romania have suffered just one defeat in their last 16 matches. 
• These sides haven’t gone head-to-head since 2012. Romania won the last meeting 2-1.

Belgium Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: Belgium Need to Setup a Showdown with Ukraine

• Vs Ukraine (N)

Romania Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: Slovakia Awaits Romania

• Vs Slovakia (N)

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