France vs Belgium, UEFA Nations League 2024: FRA vs BEL Dream11 Prediction
Published on: Sep 9, 2024 10:56 am IST|Updated on: Sep 9, 2024 10:56 am IST
France welcomes Belgium for their second UEFA Nations League match of the season. After a disappointing start to their campaign, Les Bleus aim to rebound at home, while the Red Devils look to build on their initial success as they head to Lyon.
In their opening match, France experienced a frustrating evening despite a rapid start against Italy. Bradley Barcola’s stunning 13-second goal—the fastest in France’s history—gave them an early lead, but Italy responded with a spectacular equalizer, leveling the score by halftime. Ultimately, France was defeated 3-1, marking their first home loss to Italy in 70 years.
Following a lackluster showing at Euro 2024, head coach Didier Deschamps, who remains under pressure, needs a positive result against Belgium to regain the trust of French fans. Under the new UEFA Nations League format for 2024-25, the bottom team in each League A group faces automatic relegation, while the third-place team must compete in a relegation playoff. Only the top two teams advance to the quarter-finals, making Monday’s match crucial for France to avoid falling further behind.
Belgium, on the other hand, sits atop the early Group 2 table, having defeated Israel 3-1 in their opener on neutral ground in Hungary due to security concerns. Captain Kevin De Bruyne shone, scoring twice, and could have completed a hat-trick had he not passed up a penalty opportunity. Despite a penalty miss by Lois Openda, Belgium secured a comfortable win and will seek revenge against France for their Euro 2024 elimination just two months ago.
Under the guidance of head coach Domenico Tedesco, Belgium is keen to improve on their recent performance in international tournaments and secure a top-two finish in their Nations League group as they build toward the 2026 World Cup.
France Starting Lineup
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Griezmann, Barcola; Mbappe
France’s lineup may see some adjustments after the defeat to Italy. Michael Olise, who was recently called up after an impressive showing at the Olympics, started in the last match and could compete with Ousmane Dembele for a spot. Bradley Barcola, having made an immediate impact against Italy, is likely to retain his place. However, Didier Deschamps might consider changes in defense, with Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano potential candidates to start. Offensive options include Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.
Belgium Starting Lineup
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Bakayoko, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda
Belgium will again be without key players for the clash with France. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains absent due to a rift with head coach Tedesco, and Romelu Lukaku is rested following his recent move to Napoli. Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen has retired from international duty, while Leandro Trossard was left out of the squad. Tedesco has opted to give opportunities to younger players, such as Maxim De Cuyper, Arne Engels, and Julien Duranville, who made appearances against Israel. Without Lukaku, Belgium will rely on Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to support lone striker Lois Openda.
FRA vs BEL Dream11 Prediction
GK: Casteels
DEF: Kounde, T. Hernandez, Castagne
MID: De Bruyne, Griezmann, Doku, Tielemans, Barcola
FW: Mbappe, Openda
Who will win UEFA Nations League 2024 match today?
France has won the last three meetings between these two teams and will be eager to respond after their recent setback. Belgium showed glimpses of brilliance in their opener, but defensive vulnerabilities may give the French attack, led by Kylian Mbappe, the chance to exploit any errors and claim victory on home soil.