Europe UEFA Nations League Semi-finals, October 6-7

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Belgium vs France Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Belgium:
Courtois; Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen; Castagne, Witsel, Tielemans, Carrasco; Eden Hazard, De Bruyne; Lukaku

France:
Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Rabiot, Pogba, Tchouameni; Griezmann; Mbappe, Benzema

Belgium face France at the Juventus Stadium in Turin as both sides are looking for the final of UEFA Nations League. It is very hard to determine the favorites as both teams have a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign. The Red Devils were between the favorites for the trophy, though they were eliminated by Italy in the quarter-finals. However, Belgium responded well in the qualifications for the World Cup 2022. Roberto Martinez's men managed to beat Estonia, Czech Republic and Belarus last month. They have scored nine goals in the process and conceded just two. The overall form is excellent, Belgium have just two defeats in the last 31 games across all competitions and the players confidence is very high. Chelsea in-form striker Romelu Lukaku should lead the line, while some familiar names, like Dries Mertens, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi, are not part of the national team anymore. Young Charles De Ketelaere is the most inexperienced player in the squad with just one match for the national team.

France were between the favorites for European trophy, but they were shocked by Switzerland in the knock-out stage. The elimination spoiled the atmosphere in the squad and affected the players confidence. Perhaps that's the main reason for the poor results in September's World Cup qualifiers. Les Blues have recorded just one victory from the three matches they played, a 2:0 win over Finland, with Antoine Griezmann scoring both goals. France shared the points on the remaining two occasions. The draw against Ukraine in Kiev could somehow be swallowed, but the home draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina is definitely a poor result. Coach Didier Deschamps has additional issues as key player N'Golo Kante is unavailable after returning a positive coronavirus test last month. It is not clear who will start in the midfield alongside Paul Pogba. Most probably Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni may start from the first minute. Full-back Benjamin Pavard return from suspension. The situation around Kylian Mbappe is confusing. PSG star recently admitted that he considered taking a break from international duty after the missed penalty against Switzerland, but it is expected to start in attack with Griezmann; and Benzema.

Belgium vs France Prediction:

France have just one victory on the last six games and they can not be considered as favorites in this fixture. The absence of N'Golo Kante is another reason for my pick. Belgium are in nice form, they won the last three competitive matches and the players confidence is high. I think the Red Devils are favorites in this match, however, I will suggest a safer option - Belgium not to lose the match.

Belgium vs France Pick: Belgium +0.5 AH @ 1.58 with Betsafe