Belgium travel to Portugal for a game that was initially cancelled following the terrorist attacks in Brussels. Portugal officials offered to host the match and the high-profile international fixture has been rescheduled, much to the pleasing of football fans worldwide.

Portugal looking to bounce back

Portugal were surprised by Bulgaria last week in Leiria as the hosts slumped to their fourth defeat in last six friendly match including an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to the Cape Verde Islands in 2015. The defeat to Bulgaria left Portugal with only one home win in their last seven matches. Portugal did manage to qualify for the Euro 2016 with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a big part in his nation’s success and they look to have been given a negotiable group, but Portugal’s inconsistency remains a huge problem ahead of the 2016 European Championship finals. Heading into the match with Belgium, it remains to be seen in Cristiano Ronaldo will play a significant part in his team. Having in mind that he played full 90 minutes against Bulgaria, during which time he was denied a goal from the white spot, and the fact that there is the match against Barcelona coming up this weekend, the star of the team could be rested or at least given a moderate role against the Belgians.

Tiago Mendes is still injured, together with Fabio Coentrao and Joao Moutinho. Highly rated Benfica youngster Renato Sanches has made his senior debut against Bulgaria and could be again involved in the forthcoming fixture.

Emotional moment for Belgium

Football is not among the priorities for Belgian people and players at the moment as the nation is grieving after the horrific terrorist attacks that have hit Brussels last week. Disgusting acts will have had an emotional impact on Marc WIlmots’ men and there is no doubt that everyone who steps on the pitch on Tuesday night will be especially motivated to give their people something to cheer about. World number one side Belgium are among the hot favourites to lift the European title and their trip to Portugal will be a perfect opportunity to test their skills among some of the best continental forces despite the emotional moment involved in the match. Wilmots’ charges find themselves in fine form and on the back of a five-match winning run and the players will be keen to extend the positive run. With only two draws in their fifteen matches since the 1-0 loss to Argentina in 2014, Red Devils have proven over and over again that they are the force to be reckoned with.

Belgium will be without a couple of their star players for the rearranged match. Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Christian Benteke and Jan Vertongen have all been ruled out, while Yannick Ferreira Carrasco was the latest Belgium player who was forced to withdraw. In addition, Dries Mertens and Mousa Dembele may also be unavailable through injury.

Verdict

Belgium are on an excellent run at the moment, but the terrorist attacks will have left a huge scar on the team. Red Devils conceded at least one goal in five of their last seven matches and goals might be the perfect option to go by for this fixture.

Top pick: Both teams to score – yes   2.05 @WilliamHill (21/20)

Alternative pick 1: Home win   2.38 (11/8) @Bet365

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   2.30 (13/10) @SportingBet