Overview
After a 1-3 defeat to Italy in the opening match of the 2024-2025 Nations League, the French team came back strongly with 2 consecutive victories against Belgium and Israel. In those 2 matches, they scored 6 goals and ranked 2nd on the rankings. They are currently only 1 point behind the leader Italy.
With Italy facing Israel in the fourth round of the Nations League, France will be hoping to get all three points against Belgium to continue their fight for the top spot. However, Belgium are certainly not an easy opponent when playing at home.
In their most recent away match against Italy, Belgium took full advantage of the opportunity when their opponents were playing with one less player to draw 2-2 despite being 2 goals behind.
Belgium is missing star players like Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, while France is also without striker Kylian Mbappe.
This is predicted to be an unpredictable match and it is possible that both sides will be satisfied with a draw.
After 23 meetings between the two teams, France have won 12, drawn 5 and lost 6. Les Bleus have also won the last 4 meetings between the two teams.
Human resources situation
Leandro Trossard is one of Belgium's in-form players. The Arsenal striker is likely to start up front alongside Lois Openda, while Johan Bakayoko could take Jeremy Doku's starting spot.
On the other side of the front line, France could make a change in personnel with players like Barcola and Guendouzi starting. Marcus Thuram could also replace Randal Kolo Muani in attack, while Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba continue to play together in defence.
Expected lineup:
Belgian team: Casteels, Castagne, Faes, Theate, De Cuypers, Tielemans, Mangala, Trossard, De Ketelaere, Bakayoko, Openda.
French team: Maignan, Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez, Guendouzi, Camavinga, Barcola, Olise, Nkunku, Thuram.
The match between Belgium and France takes place at 1:45 a.m. on October 15 (Vietnam time).
