Belgium look to return to winning ways when they welcome Turkey to Liège. The hosts have taken three points from their opening two Nations League matches, while Turkey arrive without a point after defeats against France and Italy.

Belgium were unlucky against France

Belgium began the campaign with an impressive 2–0 victory away to Italy. Mark van Bommel’s team defended well, stayed organised and took their opportunities against one of the strongest teams in the group.

They were unable to follow that result with another victory against France, but the performance was still encouraging. Belgium remained competitive throughout the match and were only beaten by Michael Olise’s goal in the 88th minute.

The defeat left Belgium with three points from two games, but they have shown more than enough to suggest they can challenge France and Italy for the top two places.

Kevin De Bruyne remains the player who controls most of Belgium’s attacking play. His passing and ability to create chances should be important against a Turkey side that gave Italy far too much space around the penalty area.

Romelu Lukaku has played only a small role under Van Bommel so far. He appeared for seven minutes against Italy and remained on the bench against France. Charles De Ketelaere could therefore continue in attack, with Lukaku available if Belgium need a different option later in the match.

Turkey need a response

Turkey have made a difficult start to the Nations League. They lost their opening match 1–0 against France before suffering a heavy 4–1 home defeat against Italy.

The performance against France was respectable. Turkey stayed in the game and were only beaten by a single goal, but the match against Italy exposed several defensive problems.

Italy repeatedly found space behind Turkey’s midfield and created chances from both sides of the pitch. Turkey also struggled to deal with crosses and runners arriving from deeper positions.

Arda Güler remains their biggest creative threat. Orkun Kökçü can also create chances from midfield, while Barış Alper Yılmaz gives the team pace and physical strength in attack.

Turkey have enough quality to cause Belgium problems, but they must improve significantly without the ball.

Belgium are expected to have more possession and should be able to push Turkey back for long periods. The hosts have more quality in midfield and several players who can create chances around the penalty area.

Turkey cannot afford another defeat, which may force them to take more risks than they did against France. That could leave space for Belgium to attack when possession changes hands.

The hosts must still be careful. Turkey scored against Italy and have players capable of creating something from very little. Belgium should therefore look for an early goal rather than allowing the visitors to settle into the match.

A quick start would put even more pressure on a Turkey team that has already conceded five goals in the group.

Belgium to win is the safer option

Belgium -1 Asian Handicap is tempting because Turkey lost by three goals against Italy. However, Belgium have scored only twice across their opening two matches and could still win this game by a single goal.

The regular Belgium victory is available at 1.55 and looks like the safer option. It covers any home victory, including a close 1–0 or 2–1 result.

Belgium have already beaten Italy and were only minutes away from taking a point against France. Turkey, meanwhile, have lost both matches and looked particularly vulnerable in their most recent game.

The hosts should create the better chances and have more options available if the match remains close in the second half.

Verdict

Turkey have enough attacking talent to make this competitive, but their defensive performance against Italy was a major concern.

Belgium have looked more organised under Van Bommel and should control the game at home. They may not win comfortably, but they should do enough to collect all three points.

Tip

Belgium to win