Euro 2016 Qualifiers: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Belgium preview

October 12, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Bosnia vs BelgiumHaving picked up just one point from first two matches, Bosnia have no choice but to go for a win against Belgium, even if that is easier said than done.

The Red Devils hammered Andorra in their opening fixture, but they could face a potentially difficult task in Zenica.

Bosnia-Herzegovina hope to become regular at major tournament finals after making it to the 2014 World Cup, but things did not start well for them in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The Dragons did outclass Cyprus in their opening fixture, but had to settle for a 2-1 home defeat after squandering a one-goal lead and missing a last-gasp penalty.

Bosnia then showed some improvement in the away fixture against Wales, but could only muster a goalless draw after missing several good chances to score.

As a result, the Dragons are in desperate need of a win against Belgium, and are priced at 3.50 (5/2) to claim maximum points in Zenica.

The hosts have serious problems at the back seeing as how Emir Spahic has failed to recover from injury, while Ermin Bicakcic and Sead Kolasinac are also unavailable.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-3-2): Begovic – Mujdza, Hadzic, Sunjic, Lulic – Besic – Susic, Pjanic, Medunjanin – Dzeko, Ibisevic.

Belgium did not disappoint at the 2014 World Cup, but the general impression in Marc Wilmots’ side should have shown more at the tournament finals.

The Red Devils are now hot favourites to win the first place in the Euro 2016 qualifying group, with the Bosnia game their first real test of the campaign.

Having enjoyed an easy 6-0 triumph over minnows Andorra, Belgium are 2.30 (13/10) to defeat injury-hit Bosnia, and there seems to be value in these odds.

Marc Wilmots will have key player Eden Hazard back from a toe problem, although Axel Witsel is out through an ankle injury.

Thomas Vermaelen, Kevin Mirallas and Anthony Vanden Borre are also unavailable, whilst Romelu Lukaku and Moussa Dembele should be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Courtois – Alderweireld, Kompany, Lombaerts, Vertonghen – Defour, Dembele – Mertens, De Briyne, Hazard – Lukaku.

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