UEFA Nations League
France v Belgium: Big Match Preview
France will look to strengthen their position at the top of Nations League Group A1 when they welcome Belgium to the Stade de France on Monday evening. Zinedine Zidane’s side remain unbeaten after three matches, while Belgium sit just one point behind following an impressive 3 to 0 victory over Turkey on Friday.
Football Writer, Racing Tipster
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Stephen WelchBig Match SpecialFrance v Belgium
Kick Off
Monday 5 October at 19:45
Ground
Stade de France
Competition
UEFA Nations League
Les Bleus were held to a 1 to 1 draw by Italy last time out but have already beaten Belgium during this international break, with Michael Olise scoring an 88th minute winner in Brussels. France have now won six consecutive meetings with the Red Devils, while Belgium arrive in Paris without suspended midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans. With Kylian Mbappe also absent for the hosts, this could be another relatively tight contest, but France still look to hold the greater quality.
France at 8/15
Match Result
France have not been at their fluent best under Zidane, but they remain unbeaten and have already shown they can get the better of Belgium. Les Bleus have won each of the last six meetings between the nations and have suffered just one defeat in an official home match across the last three years. Belgium’s task is made considerably tougher by the suspensions of De Bruyne and Tielemans, who have played a major role in their attacking output during this Nations League campaign. With home advantage and a deeper squad, France look the most likely winners.
Michael Olise
To Score Or Assist
Michael Olise has quickly become France’s most influential attacking player in Mbappe’s absence. The Bayern Munich forward has returned in each of France’s three Nations League matches so far, providing an assist against Turkey before scoring against Belgium and Italy. Olise has now registered 14 direct goal contributions across 10 appearances for club and country this season and accounted for two of France’s three goals in this competition. With Belgium missing two key midfielders, he should again find space to make an impact.
Senne Lammens 4+
Goalkeeper Saves
Senne Lammens has been one of Belgium’s standout performers during the Nations League campaign and could be kept busy again in Paris. The Manchester United goalkeeper has made at least five saves in each of Belgium’s opening three matches, producing 19 in total while conceding just once. France registered eight shots on target against Italy and should apply sustained pressure at home, particularly with Belgium expected to defend for long periods. Backing Lammens to make at least four saves looks a solid selection.
Under 3.5 at 4/6
Match Goals Under/Over
Both teams have been relatively controlled in this competition despite possessing plenty of attacking quality. All three of France’s Nations League matches have finished with fewer than four goals, as have all three of Belgium’s. The reverse fixture generated just 1.91 combined xG and was decided by a single late Olise goal. With France missing Mbappe and Belgium without De Bruyne and Tielemans, another measured encounter looks more likely than a high scoring shootout.
France 2-1 at 15/2
Correct Score
Correct Score
France v Belgium Tips
France
Match Result
Michael Olise
To Score Or Assist
Senne Lammens 4+
Goalkeeper Saves
Under 3.5
Match Goals Under/Over
Nicolas Raskin
To Be Carded
France 2-1
Correct Score
Verdict
Home advantage should just about carry France through a tight contest. The scoreline call is France 2-1 Belgium, so there should be goals at both ends. Stephen Welch make France at 8/15 the standout call on the card.