Ireland v Belgium Betting Tips 23/03/24
The Republic of Ireland take on Belgium in an international friendly on Saturday evening, so time for our free Ireland v Belgium Betting Tips. The Boys in Green head into this clash in disappointing form after failing to qualify for Euro 2024. Belgium are one of Europe’s most in-form sides by contrast and the Red Devils will be looking to produce a strong showing as they gear up for this summer’s European Championships. This match kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Aviva Stadium. It will be shown live on Virgin Media.
Form and Team News
Interim manager John O’Shea takes charge of Ireland for the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland as the Boys and Green look for a long-term successor to Stephen Kenny. O’Shea faces the tough task of turning around some poor form of two wins in nine, both of which came over minnows Gibraltar (3-0 and 4-0). The second of these victories was followed by a 1-0 loss against the Netherlands and a solid 1-1 draw against New Zealand in November. Belgium are in strong form and unbeaten in their last 11 matches, including eight wins. The Red Devils completed Euros qualifying with five wins from six matches, including a final match 5-0 win against Azerbaijan.
Regarding team news, Ireland has no injuries or suspensions. Captain Seamus Coleman returned to the squad and could make his first appearance in 12 months. Belgium’s only absentee is goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Match Winner Bet
Given the form of Ireland and Belgium, it is no surprise to see the bookmakers favouring an away victory. The Boys in Green are winless in their last three home matches, losing twice, while Belgium have won five consecutive away matches. As a result, the hosts are backed at 27/10 by Unibet to win in this encounter. Ireland will try to build some momentum from their draw with New Zealand last time out. The sides also drew in the most recent meeting in 2022 – a 2-2 friendly stalemate in Dublin. Therefore, a friendly draw could be a better selection for the Ireland vs Belgium match, with Unibet providing 49/20 odds for a tie. It is hard to ignore Belgium’s strong form of eight wins in their last 10. As a result, we are backing a Red Devils road win in Ireland this weekend. QuinnBet has decent value odds for an away victory at 11/10.
Belgium -1 Handicap Betting
Ireland could set up to contain a talented Belgian side at the Aviva Stadium in this clash. Ultimately, Domenico Tedesco is likely to control possession and create openings. The Belgians have also shown an eye for goal recently, striking 15 goals in their last five matches. Ireland has been leaky against Belgium in recent meetings, shipping two or more goals in the last three head-to-head fixtures. As a result, we expect the Red Devils to secure a comfortable win and cover a -1 handicap in Dublin. At 7/2, Paddy Power has the best potential returns in the Belgium -1 handicap market.
Anytime Goal Scorer Bets
In the goalscorer markets, there are some good picks for Belgium and Ireland. Firstly, Ireland’s Sammie Szmodics earned a call-up following some impressive recent form for Blackburn. The striker has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season and hit the net in four of his last five matches. A Szmodics anytime goal also comes with good value, as BetUK are offering 21/5 odds – a decent outsider selection. But our anytime scorer pick in the Ireland vs Belgium clash is Lois Openda. The RB Leipzig striker has been consistent since the Bundesliga returned from a winter break in January. Across this period, Openda has eight goals in just nine league appearances. The Belgian frontman hasn’t scored an international goal since November 2022 and will be desperate to put in a strong performance at the Aviva Stadium. Due to this, we are tipping Openda to score at any time against Ireland. Bet365 have the best odds here at 3/1.
Our Ireland v Belgium Betting Tips
Match Winner – Belgium – 11/10 with QuinnBet
Handicap Betting – Belgium -1 – 7/2 with Paddy Power
Anytime Goalscorer – Openda – 3/1 with Bet365
Ireland will need to be at their best to take anything from Belgium in this friendly clash. The Boys in Green are lacking confidence but will want to put in a strong showing. Belgium have some of Europe’s best players in their ranks and come into this encounter as big favourites. Hopefully you have enjoyed reading our Ireland v Belgium Betting Tips and found them useful.
If you place a bet on the Ireland vs Belgium match, ensure you are gambling responsibly. Our tips are based on news and form and are never guaranteed winners. For more information about bookmaker’s available UK free bets, please check our homepage for up-to-date, great-value betting offers.