Belgium vs France Preview, Livestream, odds and Possible Lineup
Belgium vs France preview for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League semi-final. Belgium and France clash in Turin to try and reach the Nations League Final.
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- France have seen both teams score in five of their last six games.
- Belgium have scored in 38 consecutive matches, while France have netted in each of their last 14.
- Five of France’s last six games have ended as draws, including three 1-1 stalemates.
Red Devils look for crucial win
Belgium’s summer ended in disappointment once again as they were beaten by eventual Euro 2020 winners Italy but Roberto Martinez’s side have a great chance to reach the UEFA Nations League final this week and they can certainly push overall favourites France close.
Their loss to Italy is their only defeat in their last 17 matches and they have won 14 of those, although admittedly most of their opposition in this period was far inferior to the star-studded France team.
France struggle to find form
Les Bleus aren’t in the greatest shape, though. The pre-tournament favourites suffered a shock elimination at the hands of Switzerland in the first knockout round of Euro 2020 and they haven’t managed to pick themselves up since.
They come into this semi-final tie having drawn five of their last six games, with a 2-0 win over Finland being their only success in this period.
They have conceded in five of these six matches and head into this tie without the Covid-stricken N’Golo Kante. That is likely to have a significant impact defensively and a clean sheet looks unlikely for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Expect goals at both ends in Turin
France have scored in each of their last 14 matches, though, while Belgium have shipped four goals in their last four games. Backing both teams to score is my preference here, while I’m also opting for a fourth 1-1 draw in seven games for France as my correct score prediction.
Romelu Lukaku stands out as an anytime goalscorer pick, too. The Chelsea forward is Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer with 67 goals in 100 caps and he has scored four goals in his last three appearances for Belgium, so backing him to punish Les Bleus’ defence looks good value.
Team News
Some of Belgium's old guard in attack will be nowhere to be seen this week - with the likes of Dries Mertens, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi playing no part - while one-cap Charles De Ketelaere represents the most inexperienced player in the squad.
Kevin De Bruyne is back in the fold and ready to form a fear-inducing attack with Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, although De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard are certainly competing for places.
Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel ought to form a familiar midfield pairing for the Red Devils, while Dedryck Boyata will hope to edge out Jason Denayer for the final centre-back spot.
Chelsea and France lynchpin N'Golo Kante is unavailable after returning a positive coronavirus test last month, so Deschamps has a big call to make in the middle alongside Paul Pogba.
Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni may be the lucky duo to feature from the first whistle - that is if Deschamps reverts to his traditional four-man defence - with Benjamin Pavard returning to right-back over Jules Kounde.
Kylian Mbappe recently admitted that he considered taking a break from international duty after his costly penalty miss in the Euro 2020 defeat to Switzerland, but the PSG man should hold his place up top with Karim Benzema regardless.
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen; Castagne, Witsel, Tielemans, Carrasco; E. Hazard, De Bruyne; Lukaku
France possible starting lineup:
Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Rabiot, Pogba, Tchouameni; Griezmann; Mbappe, Benzema
Odds
Belgium 3.10
X 3.38
France 2.51
Belgium Nations League form:
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Belgium form (all competitions):
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France Nations League form:
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France form (all competitions):
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Henry
just love writing about football and playing video games, love my quiet time also. contact me @ [email protected]
