Belgium and France meet in Brussels on Monday night after both made winning starts to the new Nations League campaign.
Mark van Bommel could hardly have asked for a better beginning as Belgium boss. The Red Devils went to Rome and beat Italy 2-0, with Mika Godts opening the scoring before Dodi Lukebakio wrapped things up after the break.
France also began the Zinedine Zidane era with three points. Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Türkiye, although his night ended early after suffering a knee injury.
That injury rules the France captain out in Brussels and gives Zidane an immediate selection problem.
Belgium, meanwhile, have a chance to make a serious early statement. Beat France and Van Bommel’s first week in the job will have gone about as well as anyone could have hoped.
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What are the best betting tips for Belgium vs France?
Belgium double chance
France have won the last five meetings between these countries, but this feels like a decent opportunity for Belgium to finally stop that run.
Their performance in Rome was impressive.
Belgium carried a threat on the counter, kept their first clean sheet in five matches and scored through two different wide players. De Bruyne also created Godts’ opener.
France won in Türkiye, but it wasn’t particularly comfortable. They had only four shots on target and needed Mbappé to provide the decisive moment.
Now they have to manage without him.
Belgium are also unbeaten in their last nine matches as the nominal home side, winning six of those.
Rather than asking Van Bommel’s side to win outright, the double chance covers a draw as well.
Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist
At 35, De Bruyne is still very much part of Belgium’s plans.
He started against Italy and created the opening goal, releasing Godts during the move that put Belgium ahead after 20 minutes.
Van Bommel has continued to use him centrally behind the striker, which gives De Bruyne plenty of opportunities to influence attacks around the penalty area.
France are obviously a step up from Italy’s new-look side, but Belgium don’t need to dominate possession for this selection.
With Godts, Charles De Ketelaere and Lukebakio providing runners around him, De Bruyne should again be at the heart of their best attacking moments.
Michael Olise 1+ shot on target
With Mbappé missing, somebody else has to take on more responsibility in France’s attack.
Olise looks a strong candidate.
The Bayern Munich forward started on the right against Türkiye and assisted Mbappé’s winner before being replaced late in the second half.
Zidane has plenty of options, but Olise should retain his place alongside Ousmane Dembélé and potentially Désiré Doué.
Belgium were excellent in Rome, although France should provide considerably more attacking pressure.
Rather than relying on Olise to score, one shot on target gives us a much lower bar to clear.
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What have the managers said?
Mark van Bommel:
Van Bommel has been encouraged by how quickly his players have adapted to his ideas.
Speaking ahead of the France game, he said:
“The idea must remain the same.”
The Belgium boss confirmed Leandro Trossard and Mike Penders will miss the game but said the rest of his squad is available. He has already told his players the starting XI. Mbappé’s absence isn’t changing his approach either.
“You always want to play against the best.”
Van Bommel described the France captain’s absence as disappointing, but stressed that Les Bleus still possess huge quality. Belgium intend to stick with the approach that worked so well against Italy.
Zinedine Zidane:
Zidane has already confirmed France will rotate following Friday’s trip to Türkiye.
“There will definitely be changes. How many, you will see tomorrow.”
France are playing four times during this international window, and Zidane admitted the quick turnaround and travel make some rotation unavoidable.
He is also expecting a significant test from Van Bommel’s side.
“It is a very good team.”
Zidane praised Belgium’s World Cup campaign and their individual quality before adding that France know they face a difficult game in Brussels
What is Belgium’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Raskin; Moreira, De Bruyne, Godts; De Ketelaere.
Injured: Leandro Trossard, Mike Penders.
Van Bommel has confirmed both Trossard and Penders remain unavailable, but the rest of his squad is fit.
Belgium could therefore stick closely to the side that started the 2-0 win in Italy, although Lukebakio is pushing for a start after scoring from the bench in Rome.
What is France’s predicted team?
(4-3-3) Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Koné, Rabiot, Cherki; Olise, Dembélé, Doué.
Injured: Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé is the major absentee after injuring his left knee shortly after scoring against Türkiye. He has returned to Real Madrid and will not feature in Brussels.
Zidane has confirmed changes are coming. Doué could replace Mbappé, while Dembélé is an option through the middle.
Belgium vs France prediction
This looks considerably closer than the recent head-to-head record suggests.
Belgium were excellent in Van Bommel’s first game. They defended well, attacked quickly and showed that the next generation can contribute alongside De Bruyne.
France still have ridiculous depth, but losing Mbappé takes away the player who settled Friday’s game almost single-handedly.
Dembélé, Olise, Doué and Cherki ensure Belgium won’t get an easy night, but the hosts should cause problems of their own.
Neither side needs to force things this early in the group, and there may not be much between them.
Score prediction: Belgium 1-1 France
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