France vs Belgium Prediction: Red Devils could cause problems

France were beaten 3-1 by Italy in their opening Nations League contest and Les Bleus have the chance to bounce back from that Paris defeat when Belgium travel to Lyon.

Belgium opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Israel and the Red Devils have an opportunity to open up a six point lead on France. Read on for my France vs Belgium prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni and Wesley Fofana withdrew from the French squad through injury. Adrien Rabiot and Benjamin Pavard could return to the starting line up.

Thibaut Courtois is not in Belgium’s plans, Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football and Romelu Lukaku has been rested.

Leandro Trossard was not named in Domenico Tedesco's squad, but Man City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are available.

France vs Belgium Odds

France are 4/5 to win in Lyon, Belgium are 7/2 shots and the draw is available at 11/4.

Match Result - Belgium @ 7/2

France were the Nations League ante-post favourites, but Les Bleus suffered a setback when losing 3-1 to Italy in Paris on Friday night. France were clearly second best against the Azzurri, who created four or five excellent goalscoring opportunities, while Les Bleus have a talented squad, that isn’t being translated to results on the pitch.

Didier Deschamps’ men were poor when scoring only two goals and winning just one match at Euro 2024 and it doesn’t appear a happy camp.

Star forward Kylian Mbappe was rumored to have asked to be left out of the squad for the Nations League matches against Italy and Belgium, but the Real Madrid man was selected and it appears the leadership of Deschamps may have run its course.

Of course, France have enjoyed plenty of success under the 55-year-old, and if Les Bleus are off the pace again, Belgium are good enough to take advantage.

The Red Devils hit 25 shots and put up an expected goals tally of 3.61 in a 3-1 victory over Israel on Friday, and while Domenico Tedesco’s men step up in class against France, Belgium remain a top-level side.

Kevin De Bruyne is still Belgium’s shining light and the Man City star can inspire the Red Devils to another victory. 

Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5

Belgium registered 25 efforts on goal against Israel in Debrecen and the Red Devils look set to go on the front foot in Lyon.

Tedesco’s men were beaten 1-0 by France at the last-16 stage of Euro 2024, but there were 24 shots on goal in that contest and pressure was reduced on Monday evening.

France need to get back to winning ways, while Belgium will see an opportunity to move clear at the top of the standings. Backing over 2.5 goals looks a play at the Groupama Stadium.

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