class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With both teams looking fragile in defence, Al Hain-Cole expects goals at both ends when Les Diables Rouges take on Deschamps' men in Turin
Belgium and France will go head-to-head for a place in the Nations League final when they meet in Turin on Thursday.
Roberto Martinez’s side have won all three of their World Cup qualifiers since getting knocked out of the Euro 2020 quarter-finals by eventual champions Italy, scoring nine goals and conceding three.
Belgium vs France latest odds
However, Belgium are slight 19/10 (2.90) outsiders with bet365 to make it four wins in a row by coming out on top over their neighbours.
In contrast, Didier Deschamps’ France have only won one of their last six fixtures in all competitions but are 6/4 (2.50) favourites to secure a big win at the Allianz Stadium.
Five of those last six matches have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 11/5 (3.20) on them taking this one into extra-time after yet another stalemate.
Belgium vs France team news
Thomas Vermaelen, Never Chadli, Jeremy Doku and Dries Mertens have all dropped out of the squad since Euro 2020.
N’Golo Kante is unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19, with Matteo Guendouzi in contention to make his senior debut in midfield after receiving his first call-up in two years.
Belgium vs France preview
Having thrown away a 3-1 lead to crash out of Euro 2020 at the last-16 stage against Switzerland, Les Bleus’ defence has become a real cause for concern.
Indeed, the world champions conceded six goals in their last three games at the Euros and have now kept just one clean sheet in six matches coming into this fixture.
That fragile backline is sure to be tested by Roberto Martinez’s side, which has not failed to score in their last 38 games in all competitions – averaging almost three goals per match over that period.
Click Here: sydney roosters team jersey
Nevertheless, the Belgians have their own question marks over a backline led by the 34-year-old Jan Vertonghen and a 32-year-old Toby Alderweireld who plays his club football in Qatar.
Belgium vs France tips & predictions
With Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann likely to form an irresistible French forward line, odds of 5/6 (1.83) seem generous on both defences struggling in a match that features goals at both ends.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.