France will continue their new era under Zinedine Zidane when they travel to face Belgium at Stade Roi Baudouin on Monday in a crucial UEFA Nations League League A encounter.
Les Bleus began Zidane’s reign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Turkey on Friday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the decisive goal. However, the result came at a cost as the Real Madrid forward suffered a knee injury shortly after finding the net and is expected to miss several weeks.
France controlled 64% possession against Turkey but struggled to turn that dominance into clear chances. Zidane will therefore be looking for an improved attacking performance against a Belgium side that possesses quality.
The Red Devils also began their Nations League campaign with a victory, defeating Italy 2-0 in their opening fixture. Mika Godts opened the scoring in the first half before Dodi Lukebakio added a second after the interval.
The victory was particularly significant for Mark van Bommel, who was taking charge of Belgium for the first time competitively. The clean sheet was also their first in five matches.
Belgium have been difficult to beat on home soil, going nine matches unbeaten as the nominal hosts before Monday’s encounter. France, however, have dominated the recent head-to-head record, winning each of the last five meetings between the nations.
Les Bleus also possess an impressive away record, having won eight and drawn one of their last nine matches on the road. Zidane will now hope that record continues as his team faces a Belgium side eager to make another statement under Van Bommel.
Team News
Belgium will be without Leandro Trossard, who continues his recovery from a heel problem. His absence could allow Mika Godts to start on the left side of a three-man attacking unit.
Godts is expected to operate alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Diego Moreira, with Charles De Ketelaere potentially leading the line.
At the back, Nathan Ngoy is likely to partner Brandon Mechele in central defence, while Timothy Castagne and Maxim De Cuyper could occupy the full-back positions.
Belgium will be hoping to maintain the defensive solidity they showed against Italy, particularly against a France attack that remains packed with quality despite Mbappe’s absence.
France’s major concern is undoubtedly the loss of Mbappe. The captain was forced off after scoring against Turkey and will miss Monday’s fixture because of the knee injury.
With their leading goalscorer unavailable, Ousmane Dembele could be moved into a central forward role. Michael Olise and Desire Doue are expected to provide width and attacking support from the flanks.
In midfield, Manu Kone is expected to operate alongside Adrien Rabiot, while Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki could be given a more advanced role as France look to compensate for Mbappe’s absence through creativity and movement.
Possible Lineups
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Lammens; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Moreira, De Bruyne, Godts; De Ketelaere
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert; Cherki, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | dstv stream |
| Kick-off Time | 19:45pm(WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Belgium 1-2 France.
Belgium’s opening victory over Italy will provide Van Bommel withconfidence, particularly after his team kept a clean sheet. Their strong home record should also make this a difficult assignment for France. However, France have an impressive away record and still possess several elite attacking options despite Mbappe’s absence.
