Belgium v Canada predictions: Martinez's side set for a strong start

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Belgium v Canada in Group F of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Where to watch

BBC One, 7pm Wednesday

Best bet

Belgium to win & over 2.5 goals
2pts 5-4 general

The pressure is on Belgium to finally gain the major trophy that the talent in Roberto Martinez's squad probably merits and they should get off to a winning start. They displayed the ability to score goals against modest opposition in qualifying and the loss of Romelu Lukaku should not be a huge handicap.

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Match preview

So, here we go again. All the talk about Belgium's golden generation finally fulfilling their potential at a time when many of them are looking back on the 30th birthdays. Surely, it's now or never.

Odds of 18-1 that they win the trophy for the first time perhaps indicate that patience is wearing thin, with the team still ranked the second best in the world.

And an uninspiring Nations League campaign and defeat in their final warm-up game against non-qualifiers Egypt means there is little enthusiasm for renewing the contract of Roberto Martinez, the man who has been unable to get this bunch over the line.

But what they are good at is beating teams who are below elite level and that is a description that fits their opening Group F opponents Canada, who have reached the global extravaganza for the first time since their only other appearance in 1986.

Belgium were unbeaten in eight qualifiers against Wales, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Belarus and they scored an average of more than three goals a game.

The loss of striker Romelu Lukaku, who is set to miss their opening two games at least, may not be a huge handicap for Belgium as Michy Batshuayi, who has scored five goals in seven Turkish league appearances this year, is a ready-made replacement.

They have won their groups at their last three major tournaments and no Premier League follower will need reminding about the qualities of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne.

It could be difficult for Canada to keep them in check.

John Herdman's side tend to be well organised and could be encouraged by the fact they conceded just seven goals in their 14 Concacaf matches.

But they plainly will not have faced forwards of Belgium's quality on a regular basis and their worst fears were realised a fortnight ago when star player Alphonso Davies suffered a hamstring injury playing for Bayern Munich.

Should he not play, that would decrease their chances of causing a Saudi Arabia-style shock and it is likely that this will prove too much of a step up for them.

Canada face a team who will be wary that they have a point to prove but also conscious that they are perhaps flying under the radar a bit for this tournament.

Belgium have a big point to prove and this can be the point where they start doing just that.

Key stat

Nine of Belgium's last 12 matches have featured at least three goals.

Team news

Belgium
Romelu Lukaku is out with a thigh injury so Michy Batshauyi is set to feature up front.

Canada
Alphonso Davies will be given time to prove his fitness after a hamstring injury and confidence is high he will start. Goalkeeper Milan Borjan has had an abdominal issue.

Probable teams

Belgium (3-4-3) Courtois; Debast, Vertonghen, Alderweireld; Meunier, Witsel, Tielemans, Carrasco; De Bruyne, Batshauyi, E Hazard.

Canada (4-3-3) Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller, Buchanan; Eustaquio, Hutchinson, Adekigbe; Davies, Larin, David

Inside info

Belgium

Top scorer in probable team Eden Hazard
Star player Kevin de Bruyne
Penalty taker Michy Batshuayi
Assist ace Kevin de Bruyne
Set-piece aerial threat Toby Alderweireld
Card magnet Alex Witsel

Canada

Top scorer in probable team Cyle Larin
Star player Alphonso Davies
Penalty taker Cyle Larin
Assist ace Alphonso Davies
Set-piece aerial threat Steven Vitoria
Card magnet Steven Vitoria