International friendly: how Belgium can end Republic run in goalfest

Irish can get after new-look Belgium

The Republic of Ireland’s unbeaten run will be seriously challenged on Saturday when they play hosts to the world’s top ranked side Belgium. Stephen Kelly’s team have been making progress in recent months but they face one of the toughest tests going when they play host to the Red Devils at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.

With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar edging closer, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is looking to give opportunities to players ahead of the major tournament this winter. Belgium are 14 to lift the World Cup for the first time in their history this year.

The likes of Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco, Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku have all been rested for the current international break. While there is likely to be Premier League representation in the form of Leicester City’s midfielder Youri Tielemans and Liverpool forward Divock Origi, it won’t be a full strength Belgian side that takes the field in Dublin.

Belgium are still favourites at 1.64 to claim the win, while the Republic are 6.2 to cause an upset. The draw is currently available at 3.8. With regular keeper Courtois absent and a host of other changes in the Belgian ranks, the Irish might well fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet on Saturday evening.

With this in mind, there should be plenty of goals in this encounter with both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 2.8.

Romelu Lukaku is one of many Belgian stars rested for their country's trip to Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland

Red Devils have depth to come out on top

While Belgium will miss the likes of De Bruyne and Lukaku in their ranks, the Red Devils should have enough quality to come through and win this game on the Emerald Isle. The Republic have managed to put a six-match unbeaten run together going into this fixture and, while they failed to reach the World Cup in Qatar, the future does appear to be brighter for Kelly’s side after what was a difficult start to his tenure.

West Brom striker Callum Robinson is expected to lead the line once again for the Irish, as he looks to add to his tally of seven goals for his country. Troy Parrott and Chiedozie Ogbene will also look to get game time, and will try to put pressure on whoever replaces Courtois between the sticks for Belgium.

However, the hosts still have a host of quality players to come into the side in the absence of their superstars, with the likes of Thorgan Hazard and Jeremy Doku expected to start. Belgium should have too much quality in the end and the visitors to win with both teams getting on the scoresheet is worth considering at 4.1.

Recommended bets:

BTTS/over 2.5 @ 2.8

Belgium/BTTS @ 4.1