UEFA EURO 2020 Qualifiers
Scotland v Belgium
Monday, 9th September 2019, kick-off 7.45pm
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Scotland will face one of the toughest tests in international football on Monday night when they take on Belgium in a crucial UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier.
Steve Clarke’s side head into the match after falling to defeat on Friday night against Russia. John McGinn had opened the scoring at Hampden, but goals from Artem Dzyuba and Yuri Zhirkov either side of half-time ensured Russia left Hampden with all three points.
The defeat leaves Scotland fourth in UEFA Euro 2020 qualification Group I and in real need of a positive result against Belgium if any hope of automatic qualification is to be retained. A play-off place has already been secured through the UEFA Nations Leauge.
Opponents Belgium top Group I after a faultless start to their campaign, winning all five of their matches and only conceding one goal throughout. They eased past San Marino on Friday evening, defeating them 4-0.
Previous meetings
The two sides have encountered each other multiple times over the last few years. When drawn in the same FIFA World Cup 2014 qualification group, Belgium came out on top in both games, winning 2-0 home and away.
Belgium last visited Hampden in 2018 for an international friendly. They secured a 4-0 victory that day, goals from Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and a Michy Batshuayi brace securing the win.
The reverse fixture in Group I between the sides ended 3-0 to Belgium. A double from Lukaku and a late Kevin De Bruyne strike secured all three points for Belgium in June at the King Baudouin Stadium.
Team news
Defenders Grant Hanley and Liam Palmer pulled out of the squad prior to Friday’s match against Russia due to injury. They were replaced by David Bates and Mikey Devlin.
Belgium are missing several key players ahead of their trip to Hampden. Eden Hazard is yet to make his debut for Real Madrid after his summer move due to a muscle problem and therefore misses Monday’s match. His brother Thorgan is also absent from the squad.
Former Celtic man Dedryck Boyata is unavailable due to injury.
What should Scotland expect from Belgium?
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has a squad packed with world class talent, capable of beating any side on their day. Belgium made it to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and are currently top of the FIFA World Rankings.
Michy Batshuayi scored twice at Hampden on Belgium’s last visit and bagged another double in Belgium’s clash with San Marino on Friday. Champions League winner Divock Origi and Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku are Martinez’s other forward options.
Kevin De Bruyne is likely to start in midfield. The Manchester City man has begun the season in imperious form after missing much of the last campaign through injury.
The Belgians also boast great quality in defence. Lyon captain and ex-Celtic loanee Jason Denayer is expected to play in a back three with Spurs pair Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
Pre-match thoughts
Looking ahead to the Belgium game, John McGinn said: “It will be another very difficult game against a good side, but we’re glad we can try and bounce back right away after the Russia defeat.
“We need to try and improve from Friday’s performance and get three points to keep us in this group.”
Tickets
Tickets can be bought online until midnight on Sunday, and on matchday at the ticket kiosks outside Hampden's West Stand from 10am. They are priced from £27 for adults and from £8 for juniors.
Ticket Collection
If you are collecting your tickets on matchday the ticket kiosks will be open from 2pm up until kick-off. You will find the ticket kiosks outside the West Stand.
Pre-match information
There will be a fan zone outside the William Hill South Stand. The fun will get under way from 5.45pm up until 7.10pm. There will be face painters, Teqball, freestylers, photo opportunities plus Hexagol – a new exciting interactive football arena that has six challenging games.
On approach to the stadium you will be greeted by a piper and JD Sports will be on hand outside the West Stand for any last minute merchandise purchases.
In stadium, Scottish band The La Fontaines will be playing live from 7.15pm.
National anthems are due at 7.40pm before the game kicks-off at 7.45pm.
Travel Information
Please be aware that there are roadworks currently in place on Polmadie Road – journey times may be affected. For more travel information please visit here.
First Bus are running a dedicated express service to and from the game, picking up from Glasgow City Centre and dropping off near Hampden and vice-versa.
Learn more about the First Bus dedicated service
Hampden Park Visitor Information
For more information on visiting Hampden Park on an international matchday click here
How to follow the match
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and BBC Radio Scotland will provide full radio coverage. The match is a 7.45pm kick-off on Monday.
Updates will also be available via the official @ScotlandNT Twitter account.