On Sunday, at 19:45, Belgium and England will face in the 5th round of the UEFA Nations League groups, in a match scheduled in Brussels, on the King Baudouin arena. Belgium is on the 1st place in the ranking, with two points ahead of England, which is on the 3rd place. It is the derby of the evening, in the top series.
The Belgians have 3 victories in 4 matches (10-4 goal difference) and they would certainly be satisfied with a draw against the British. Thus they would reach 10 points and Denmark would not overtake them, even with a victory in Iceland. For England, moving from Belgium may be the last chance to qualify for the play-offs, before the last round. Therefore, the stakes are high for both representatives.
There will be high quality players on the field, and Gareth Southgate comes to attack through Sterling, Kane and Rashford. The “Red Devils” is based on the inspiration and strength of Romelu Lukaku, who is supported from behind by De Bruyne, Witsel and Carrasco. In the goal are two former rivals from the Premier League: Thibaut Courtois at the Belgians, and Jordan Pickford at Everton.
The hosts received a major blow before the last games of the League of Nations. Returning from the injury and in very good shape, Eden Hazard was tested positive for the new coronavirus and thus misses the national team matches. The Belgian federation has accused a conspiracy and believes that Real Madrid does not want to leave the footballer in the squad, for fear of a new injury.
England come after convincing victories at home, including a 2-1 decision late with Belgium, but travel can be problematic, especially when you meet such a difficult opponent. In the last match, England won in a friendly with Ireland (3-0), while Belgium beat Switzerland (2-1), also in a test game: they scored Batshuayi (’49 and ’70 ), respectively Mehmedi (’12). Roberto Martinez’s team’s return was inspiring before the match with England! Morale is solid in the camp of the hosts, who will play a brave 4-3-3 system.
We notice, from the statistics, that Belgium is only involved in spectacular matches: they have scored both teams in 7 of its last 8 games! At the same time, three goals have been scored in 3 of the last 4 matches of England, so we have every reason to expect an open game.
Belgium: Courtois – Alderweireld, Denayer, Boyata – Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, Carrasco – Trossard, Lukaku, T. Hazard
Coach: Roberto Martinez
England: Pickford – Walker, Maguire, Dier, Trippier – Mount, Henderson, Rice – Sterling, Kane, Rashford
Coach: Gareth Southgate
England have won 3 of the last 5 matches with Belgium;
Belgium defeated England in both matches played at the 2018 World Cup: 1-0 and 2-0;
In 3 of the last 5 matches between Belgium and England they scored under 2.5 goals;
In the last 5 games played by Belgium (official or friendly) both teams have scored;
In 4 of the last 5 matches of Belgium there were over 2.5 goals scored;
PREDICTION: Both teams to score / YES @ 1,70
