Belgium vs France Prediction & Betting Tips (14 October)

At best 4th in the 2020-2021 edition of the Nations League , Belgium approached the current international break with a 3-1 victory against Israel and a 2-0 defeat in France in this group phase of the competition. The Red Devils met in Italy on Thursday with the ambition of getting back into the green and making a good move in the rankings. This Monday they meet a French team which eliminated them in the round of 16 of the last Euro with a score of 1-0. Less flamboyant than in the last decade, the Belgian internationals hope to play in the Final Four of this Nations League but will above all do what is necessary to avoid finishing last in this group and therefore being relegated. There will remain two matches to play in November to close this group phase. The French team remained on a success against its opponent of the day 2-0 in September when preparing for this international window in October.

The Blues were keen to continue their momentum on Thursday against Israel, the group's most affordable opponent on paper, to now claim three victories against their Belgian neighbors. Didier Deschamps' squad also completed Euro 2024 played in Germany with an elimination in the semi-final against Spain , ultimately crowned 2-1. The game plan was, however, strongly criticized by French observers. It will take more from this Nations League campaign to approach the Final Four that France played and won in the 2020-2021 campaign. 

Belgium's golden generation has come to an end since E. Hazard, Lukaku and many others have finished with their football or national careers. Playing in Napoli, Lukaku (85 goals in 119 seasons) was no longer called up by Domenico Tesdesco after Euro 2024. It should also be noted among the notable absentees the full-back Meunier (Lille, 67 years), the defender central Vertonghen (Anderlecht, 157 sel) who retired internationally after the Euro and playmaker De Bruyne (Manchester City, 30 goals in 107 sel) whose injury prevents him from participating in this gathering. Midfielder Onana (Aston Villa, 19th squad) was summoned but must forfeit. Among those present are central defenders Faes (Leicester, 21 caps) and Theate (Frankfurt, 20 caps) who passed through Ligue 1, executive midfielder Tielemans (Aston Villa, 72 caps), striker Trossard (Arsenal, 9 goals in 37 sel) or the neophyte Malick Fofana playing at Olympique Lyonnais. France must regenerate without its executives Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid, 44 goals in 137 caps) and Mbappé (Real Madrid, 48 goals in 86 caps). The first retired internationally before this gathering when Mbappé, who returned from injury, was not retained by Didier Deschamps.

The withdrawal of Griezmann is added to that of Giroud after the Euro. As for this October gathering, midfielder Kanté (Al-Ittihad, 63 sel) was spared for a physical problem and the starting central defender Upamecano (Bayern Munich, 27 sel) had to withdraw after hurt. He was replaced in the group by Badé (Sevilla FC), called up for the first time. In addition, Rabiot (48 sel) was not selected after his recent debut with OM and Pavard (Inter, 54 sel) has not been called up since the Euro. Concerning the players present are other executives like Maignan (AC Milan, 24 sel), Koundé (Barcelona, ​​36 sel), Théo Hernandez (AC Milan, 34 sel) or Dembélé (PSG, 6 goals in 51 sel). Koné (AS Roma, 2 sel) and Olise (Bayern, 2 sel) are returned to the group and Nkunku (Chelsea, 10 sel) takes advantage of Mbappé's absence.