The highly anticipated match between Belgium and France in the UEFA Nations League is set to take place on Monday, October 14, at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. This encounter is not only significant for the teams but also for the fans, as it marks a crucial moment in the league's Group A2 standings. In this article, we will delve into the details of the match, including the probable lineups, predictions, and how to watch the game live.
Probable Lineups and Team News
Belgium, currently third in the table with four points, will be looking to atone for their 2-0 defeat at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in September. The hosts have been without key players like Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, who have both opted out of this international window. Matz Sels and Kevin De Bruyne are also missing, leaving Youri Tielemans as the only remaining member of the 2018 World Cup group. Domenico Tedesco's side has been experimenting with a three-man back line against Italy and might opt for the same strategy against France.
The possible Belgium XI includes Casteels (gk), Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper, Tielemans, Mangala, Trossard, Openda, and Doku.
On the other hand, France is second in the table with six points and has been boosted by recent wins over Belgium and Israel. Kylian Mbapp has asked to be excused from French duty for the October international window, while Antoine Griezmann has retired and N'Golo Kante and Adrien Rabiot are also missing. Bradley Barcola and Matteo Guendouzi could start after impressing against Israel, and Randal Kolo Muani is enjoying an extended run of minutes despite not yet hitting scoring form.
The possible France XI includes Maignan (gk), Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guendouzi, Olise, Kolo Muani, and Barcola.
Predictions and Analysis
The French team has been in good form, having comfortably beaten Israel 4-1 away last week. Didier Deschamps' men have a strong record against Belgium, having won on home soil in the UEFA Nations League and also in Germany for the Euro round of 16. Deschamps enjoys a strong record against Belgium, including semifinal wins over the Red Devils in the 2021 Nations League and the 2018 World Cup.
Belgium, however, has shown resilience in their recent matches. They earned a 2-2 draw in Italy after being two goals behind inside 24 minutes. The Red Devils have been desperate for a competitive win over France, having not beaten them in a competitive match since a World Cup qualifier in 1981.
Given these factors, Sporting News predicts that France will narrowly overcome Belgium, but a draw cannot be ruled out.
How to Watch the Match Live
The match will be broadcast live on various channels around the world. In the United States, the game will be shown on Fox Sports 2, and it can also be streamed via Sling TV's Blue plan, which includes FS2.
For viewers in the UK, the game will be available to watch live and for free via the Viaplay International YouTube channel.
Aussie soccer fans can watch the match on streaming service Optus Sport, which has exclusive rights to screen every EPL match live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games and international fixtures.
In Canada, the game can be streamed live on DAZN Canada, which also offers access to the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.
Conclusion
The Belgium vs. France match is a crucial encounter in the UEFA Nations League, with both teams vying for top spot in Group A2. The probable lineups and team news suggest that both teams will be fielding strong squads, and the predictions indicate a closely contested match. Fans around the world can watch the game live on various channels and streaming services. Whether Belgium can finally break their 43-year drought against France or France continues their winning streak remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this match will be an exciting and intense battle between two of Europe's top football nations.
