* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Ah, Belgium. They’re one of my favourite cases in world football. Everyone always speaks so highly about their potential as if they’re a group of 30 recently-graduated products from all of Europe’s leading academies and that success is coming down the line.
Well, no. They’re one of the older sides in Europe, they’ve achieved sod-all and the only reason the new generation of wannabe hipsters have clung to them is because of their population is smaller than the traditional superpowers on the continent.
That, and their bloody FIFA ratings. Honestly, I do despair for these modern football tropes.
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But this is a bit of a crossroads for both of these sides. France actually are getting younger but their squad makeup is changing, while consistency was cited as their key attribute.
Belgium? They’re just about over calling up Marouane Fellaini and facing the prospect of failing to win another tournament. While the Nations League might mean very little to anyone, it would at least land a trophy for a side who’ve been promising one for a decade.
So, two sides that need to prove they’re not slumping and can bounce back into contention after major drop-offs. Is this a ‘get right’ game? I think so.
19:45: Belgium v France
Sky Sports Football
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France to Win
Look, let’s not be stupid here. The only reason the prices are the way they are at present is because N’Golo Kante is injured and Kevin De Bruyne is still perceived as more important to Manchester City than Phil Foden. The French are capable of putting in both the single best and worst performances of a given campaign at any moment, and sometimes it’s worth betting on the more likely.
Belgium, for all their calibre, rarely produce in moments that can see their hype justified. And if you want to back a team whose back three is a combined century old, then you go right ahead – but it won’t be my wager.
Over 2.5 Goals
Generally French games are low-scoring when they’re slow building from the back. We saw this in a contrast between their World Cup and Euros performances. They were favoured last summer and therefore teams gave them the ball. They’re not going to be handed that burden now.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Belgium will score; I just don’t envisage enough coverage behind the off-ball runners when they lose possession to deny France at least two.
Karim Benzema to Score Anytime
He’s currently the best player in Europe. That isn’t a statement; it’s a fact. Benzema’s nine goals and his newly-founded 200-assist tally in La Liga speaks a lot about his legacy, but even more about his start to the campaign. He’s also got a chip on his shoulder from his years of exodus, so his motor never stops when he plays for France.
Eden Hazard to Have 3 or More Shots
When in doubt, find the frustrated arrogant Belgian. Hazard has been somewhat maligned in his tenure at Madrid and his lack of production generally culminates in him trying to regain affection from his compatriots. This is another glorious example.
Belgium v France betting tips:
France to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
Karim Benzema to Score Anytime
Eden Hazard to Have 3 or More Shots
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THURSDAY FOOTBALL TIPS
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- TRADER TIPS: The best bets for Belgium v France including a 7/2 play
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