World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 32: Belgium v Senegal

Match 82: Belgium v Senegal
Location: Seattle Stadium
Time: 8:00am, Thursday 2 July
Head to Head: First meeting

Key Stats

• There have been 4+ total match goals in 5 of Senegal’s last 6 games
• Belgium have scored 5+ goals in 6 of their last 13 matches
• Belgium have averaged 24.3 shots per game with De Bruyne accounting for 16 shots (5.3 per game)
• Senegal have scored at least once in 13 of the previous 15 fixtures

Preview

Belgium’s final group game against New Zealand was a roller coaster of a different kind. They started the game in 3rd place of Group G but that changes a handful of times during the 90 minutes. Two late goals and Egypt sharing the spoils with Iran meant that they somehow finished top of the group. When they get it right in front of goal, Belgium literally makes any opposition look like school kids. They have scored 5+ goals in 6 of their last 13 games which includes a 5-2 win over USA on American soil earlier this year.

Senegal just scored five goals of their own in a win over Iraq (5-0) and have been involved in very high scoring games lately. There have been 4+ total match goals in 5 of their last 6 games and they have scoored multiple goals in 5 of their previous 7 fixtures. They have consistently found the back of the net and this has even been the case in their last three losses (France, Norway and USA).

The toughest task for Senegal will be containing a Belgian midfield that includes De Bruyne, Trossard, Doku and Tielemans. We are accustomed to giving De Bruyne credit for being the creator but that has not been the case so far in this tournament. Trossard has created more shots (13) than any other player in the tournament and it is De Bruyne who has been letting them fly with 16 shots – equal most with Mbappe. As a team, Belgium has averaged 24.3 shots per game and it that trend continues, it will rain goals in Seattle.

Player To Watch

Sadio Mane may be the most recognisable name in the Senegalese side but it is Ismaila Sarr who is the target man on the end of the key passes. He has 3 goals and an assist in his last two matches and like De Bruyne for Belgium, he has been responsible for taking the most shots. Sarr has fired 12 shots in total and has hit the target with 5 of his last 9. Belgium cannot afford to give him any time or space.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – YES ($1.85)
Other: Over 3.5 goals ($3.80)
Value: Ismaila Sarr 2+ Shots on Target ($3.60)
SGM: Over 2.5 goals, De Bruyne 4+ Shots, Over 8.5 corners ($10.35)