Belgium v France: Hosts can frustrate Zidane's new-look France

Belgium v France
Monday 28 September, 19:45
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Click here for the latest Belgium v France odds

Van Bommel buzzing after perfect start

When taking over any team, early wins can be a huge help to convince players that a coach's tactical scheme has merit. That's exactly what happened for Mark van Bommel when he took Belgium to Italy for his national team coaching debut, as the Red Devils stormed to a deserved 2-0 victory.

Belgium played with intensity and quality, especially in the first half, working hard without the ball and constantly carrying a threat with it. Recent PSG recruit Mika Godts scored a fantastic opener in the first half, and the win was wrapped up with a superb individual goal from Dodi Lukebakio.

Van Bommel isn't expected to make many changes here, although he did admit after the win in Rome that the energy levels of the team dropped off in the second half.

Zidane off to a flyer, but captain is missing

A win in Turkiye made for an impressive start to life as France coach for Zinedine Zidane, but he insists Les Bleus will improve the more he gets to work with them. It wasn't a universally positive picture though, as matchwinner and captain Kylian Mbappe limped off with a knee injury that will rule him out for the remainder of the international break.

Zidane is expected to make wholesale changes to his side here as he looks to manage his resources and take a look at as many players as possible in the infancy of his reign. According to some French media reports, Adrien Rabiot, Dayot Upamecano and goalkeeper Mike Maignan could be the only players to start both games.

There is plenty of talent at Zidane's disposal. Como midfielder Lucas da Cunha could make his first start for his country, which would be a fine reward for a player that has blossomed in Italy. Once a much more attacking player, da Cunha was converted to a central midfielder, a role for which his clever movement and eye for a pass make him perfectly suited.

Much-changed France too short at odds-on

With Zidane just a game into his tenure and likely to make plenty of changes, France feel a touch too short here in the Betfair Exchange Match Odds market at 1.9420/21. Belgium kept their first clean sheet in five matches against the Italians, and it does feel like a group that drew confidence from reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

France did beat Belgium three times in 2024, including a 1-0 win at the Euros, but given the coaching changes and turnover of players none of that is really applicable here. Without Mbappe, I'll lay the visitors at 1.9420/21.

Punters who prefer the Betfair Sportsbook can back Belgium/Draw on the Double Chance market at 5/61.84.

Back cards and Doue shots in Bet Builder

You could also consider a 11/53.20 Bet Builder double with Belgium to pick up the most cards and Desire Doue to have a shot on target. PSG starlet Doue has had a shot on target in three of his four starts at club level this season, and the 21-year-old netted 15 goals for club and country last term.

Belgium had four players booked against Italy, France will probably dominate possession, and van Bommel wants his team to play with aggression and intensity. Therefore I expect Belgium to have more players carded than Les Bleus, and you could also have that as a single at evens.

Now read our other Nations League tips here!