Belgium and France will face off in a highly anticipated UEFA Nations League match tonight. With both teams coming off recent mixed performances, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Belgium look to secure a spot in the top two, while France aims to continue their recent resurgence.
Belgium, though, will be weakened by key absences, while France, despite some notable omissions, remains a formidable opponent for any side.
Belgium Predicted Lineup
Belgium are missing several key players for this fixture, most notably Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois. Lukaku, recovering from fitness issues, has opted to remain with Napoli, while Courtois, who appears to still have an ongoing rift with Tedesco, will be replaced.
With Kevin De Bruyne also out, Belgium's lineup will rely heavily on players like Leandro Trossard, Lois Openda, and Jeremy Doku for attacking impetus.
Domenico Tedesco may once again experiment with a back-three system. Despite struggling initially against Italy in their last match, the system could provide a solution given their limited midfield options.
Key players like Youri Tielemans and Orel Mangala will need to step up in the absence of De Bruyne, with a defence anchored by Wout Faes and Arthur Theate. Matz Sels's late withdrawal could mean Koen Casteels will start in goal.
Belgium Predicted Lineup to face France
Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Mangala; Trossard, Openda, Doku
Belgium Last Lineup
Here is how the side last lined up:
France Predicted Lineup
France, like Belgium, are without key figures such as Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. Mbappé’s recent injury setback has ruled him out, while Griezmann’s surprise retirement from international football adds to the absences.
Despite this, France boasts a squad rich in talent, with the likes of Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise expected to provide attacking prowess.
Didier Deschamps might adjust his midfield by bringing Matteo Guendouzi and Aurelien Tchouameni into the starting lineup. Mike Maignan remains a solid presence in goal, while the defensive partnership of Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba is likely to continue.
France's recent 4-1 win against Israel demonstrated their ability to dominate matches even without their star players.
France Predicted Lineup to face Belgium
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guendouzi; Olise, Kolo Muani, Barcola
France Last Lineup
Here is how the side last lined up:
Belgium 
France 
