Belgium will face France once again on Monday, continuing their series of matches in the UEFA Nations League after meeting at UEFA Euro 2024 earlier this summer. The French team experienced a setback on the opening day against Italy but has since bounced back, recording victories against Belgium and Israel. Meanwhile, Domenico Tedesco’s Belgian side has struggled, currently sitting in third place after a win against Israel and a draw with the Italians, following a loss to France in September.
In their previous encounter, Belgium managed to equalize after being 2-0 down at Stadio Olimpico, thanks to goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard. A red card for Lorenzo Pellegrini shifted the momentum in Belgium’s favor, but they felt they missed out on a penalty opportunity after Alessandro Bastoni fouled Lois Openda. The match concluded in a draw as Tedesco and his players returned home to prepare for this matchup.
The two teams have played each other twice recently, with France securing victories in both matches, including one in the UEFA Nations League and another in the Euro round of 16. Didier Deschamps has a solid track record against Belgium, including semifinal wins in the 2021 Nations League and the 2018 World Cup. Following a dominant 4-1 win over Israel, France will look to continue their strong performance and secure three points against Belgium.
Here are the details for the upcoming match:
Date: Monday, October 14 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Location: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium
TV: FS2 | Live stream: Fubo (free trial available)
Odds: Belgium +188; Draw +250; France +125
In League A Group 2, Belgium currently sits third with four points from nine possible, with matches against Italy and Israel remaining. The team is optimistic about earning additional points in these contests. Tedesco aims to avoid losing to both France and Italy, while Deschamps wants to maintain his unbeaten streak, having recently defeated Israel and preparing to challenge Italy next.
Belgium’s roster will be missing Romelu Lukaku, while Thibaut Courtois is unable to play due to injury and a dispute with Tedesco. Matz Sels and Kevin De Bruyne are also out, leaving Youri Tielemans as the sole remaining member from the 2018 World Cup squad. Tedesco may deploy a three-man backline similar to their strategy against Italy.
Possible Belgium XI: Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Mangala; Trossard, Openda, Doku.
France will be without Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann has retired. N’Golo Kante and Adrien Rabiot are also sidelined. Bradley Barcola and Matteo Guendouzi may earn starting spots after impressive performances against Israel, while Randal Kolo Muani is expected to keep his place in the lineup despite a lack of goals. Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba could serve as Deschamps’ central defensive pairing.
Possible France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guendouzi; Olise, Kolo Muani, Barcola.
In conclusion, Deschamps’ France triumphed over Tedesco’s Belgium during this summer’s Euro, and they appeared stronger last month as well. Expectations lean toward a narrow victory for France, but Belgium may put up a strong fight, potentially leading to a draw. Predicted score: Belgium 0, France 1.