France vs Belgium - UEFA Nations League Prediction

France are coming off a surprise loss versus Italy and will look to bounce back in a tough clash against rivals Belgium

 
10:29am on Monday 9th September 2024
By
Martin Macdonald

Didier Deschamps and his France charges are looking to bounce back from a surprise home loss against Italy when they face Belgium in the Nations League on Monday evening.

The 2018 World Cup winners were shellshocked in Paris a few days ago, while Belgium started their Nations League campaign with a comfortable victory versus Israel.

Match Preview

France recent form

Despite going a goal up within seconds against Italy in their first Nations League game, France ended up losing 3-1 at home after a worrying capitulation.

In the summer, Les Bleus made it to the semi-final stage of the Euros where they were eliminated following a 2-1 defeat versus Spain.

However, their overall performances left a lot to be desired as they only scored four goals in six matches, emerging victorious on only two occasions versus Austria and Belgium.

Only one of those goals scored came from a French player in open play, as the others were penalties or own-goals.

France injury news

There are no fresh injury concerns following the defeat against Italy but the manner of the performance could lead to some changes from Deschamps.

Ibrahima Konate and Jonathan Clauss are in line to be replaced in defence by Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde, while Michael Olise might lose his place to Ousmane Dembele.

Belgium recent form

Belgium started their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 victory versus Israel in which a Kevin De Bruyne double and a goal from Youri Tielemans sealed the win.

At the Euros, they were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat against France following a late own-goal from Jan Vertonghen.

In the group stage, they scraped through on four points after a defeat to Slovakia, a win versus Romania and a draw against Ukraine. They scored just two goals in four matches.

Belgium injury news

Romelu Lukaku isn't involved for Belgium as he hasn't played any football this season following his late transfer window switch to Napoli.

Thibaut Courtois says he won't play for Belgium again while Domenico Tedesco is in charge.

Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football, while Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard was surprisingly left out of the squad.

France - Player to Watch?

Kylian Mbappe hasn't been at his best since he broke his nose in the first game of the Euros - for France nor for his new club Real Madrid. He needs something to kickstart his season.

Belgium - Player to Watch?

Not that it needed proving, but Kevin De Bruyne proved again why he is Belgium's most important player with his two-goal tally in the opening game.

France vs Belgium - Prediction

It seems unlikely that France will be as poor at the back as they were against Italy so expect Les Bleus to be a lot more solid. But, at the moment this appears to be two relatively evenly matched sides facing off.

Scoreline prediction - France 2-2 Belgium

For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.

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