Belgium v Senegal: World Cup last 32 predictions, best bets and odds

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The knockout stage heats up with Belgium v Senegal, with kick-off scheduled on Wednesday at 21:00 BST at Seattle's Lumen Field, where the two national teams will battle for a place in the last 16.

Belgium reached the round of 32 after a group stage of two halves. Draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) had complicated the Red Devils' path, but they bounced back in the final match by thrashing New Zealand 5-1.

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This victory revived the team after some lacklustre early performances, allowing them to finish Group G in an unexpected first place.

Senegal also secured qualification only in the final 90 minutes. After defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2), the Lions of Teranga responded with a resounding 5-0 win over Iraq, a result that saw them progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

For Pape Thiaw's side, this is their third consecutive qualification for the World Cup knockout stage, and their fourth overall. 

Belgium and Senegal face each other for the first time in their history. The Red Devils have played six previous World Cup matches against African teams, with a record of three wins, two draws and just one defeat, which came against Morocco. 

Senegal, on the other hand, have met European sides nine times in the World Cup finals, recording three wins, one draw and five defeats.

Belgium v Senegal, Wednesday (21:00 BST)

•    Both teams to score - 9/10 with Bet365

•    Most goals in second half – 23/20 with Bet365

•    Romelu Lukaku to score – 8/5 with Bet365 

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

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No clean sheets expected

For our first betting tip, we’re looking at the Both Teams to Score market. Belgium rediscovered their spark in the decisive group match, thrashing New Zealand 5-1, while Senegal also come into the round of 32 on a high after their 5-0 win over Iraq, but their defence remains their main weakness.

The Lions of Teranga have only kept a clean sheet in that match, while they conceded six goals against France and Norway. Their three group stage matches produced a remarkable number of goals: 14 in total (eight scored, six conceded), a tally bettered only by Norway (15).

Belgium seem to have regained confidence in front of goal, while Senegal have shown they can be dangerous even against strong opponents. Given the attacking quality of both teams and the defensive uncertainties of the Africans, the odds for Both Teams to Score at bet365 look appealing.

Tip: Both teams to score @ 9/10 bet365

Bet explanation: The bet wins if both teams score at least one goal in the match.

More goals in the second half

For both teams, what stands out is their ability to grow into the game: most of their attacking output in the tournament has come after the break. In the group stage, Belgium scored five of their six goals after half-time, while Pape Thiaw’s side netted four of their five goals against Iraq in the second half. 

That’s why, as our second betting tip, we’re going for the Most Goals in Second Half market, with Sisal offering odds of more than double your stake.

Tip: Most goals in second half @ 23/20 bet365

Bet explanation: The bet wins if more goals are scored in the second half than in the first.

Lukaku could make the difference

For our final betting tip, we’re backing a familiar face: Romelu Lukaku. After a long spell out at Napoli, the Belgian striker seems to have found his best form at the World Cup, while in Italy his future remains a hot topic following his time under Conte.

With the Belgian national team, the former Inter and Roma forward has reignited his ambitions thanks to his goal against New Zealand, and he is expected to start from the first minute against Senegal.

Otherwise, the 1993-born striker’s record is almost flawless. With six goals and eight goal involvements overall, Lukaku is the Belgian player with the most goals and goal involvements at the World Cup since 1966.

In the last match against New Zealand, he scored and provided an assist, and could find the net in two consecutive World Cup games for the second time in his career, after doing so in 2018 against Panama and Tunisia. With these numbers and his likely starting place, Lukaku has every chance of being one of the main candidates to get on the scoresheet.

Tip: Romelu Lukaku to score @ 8/5 bet365

Bet explanation: The bet wins if Lukaku scores at least one goal against Senegal.

Belgium v Senegal odds

•    Belgium win – 6/5 with Bet365

•    Draw – 11/5 with Bet365

•    Senegal to win – 5/2 with Bet365

Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.