These are the likely lineups for Belgium-Netherlands: attack trio to enjoy, Simon Mignolet in goal

It’s been nine months since the Nations League semi-final against France in October that our three goldcrests Kevin De Bruyne-Eden Hazard-Romelu Lukaku were on the pitch together. Our fourth world star, Thibaut Courtois, has already left home due to overload. A pity, but of the four strongmen of the Red Devils, the replacement of the goalkeeper with Mignolet, Casteels and also Sels on offer probably hurts the least. So let’s be happy that that attacking trident is ready once again.

“I don’t expect Eden to be able to play the full 90 minutes, but he can start the game,” said national coach Martinez.

Preparation for the World Cup

“He is fresh and trains well, but we also have to be realistic. I’m not going to say here that it can be used in all four games. You only have to look at the few minutes he played in recent months (Since February 19, Hazard played exactly 27 minutes for Real Madrid, ed.)† Romelu had some problems after a collision in training and therefore did not train on Wednesday. If I had crashed like that, I wouldn’t be here anymore. But he is strong, sharp and absolutely wants to play against the Netherlands.”

Kevin De Bruyne’s words – that the Nations League is not important and that the next four matches are too much after a busy season – resonated in Tubize for a whole week. He was previously followed by Dutch national coach Louis van Gaal and yesterday there was only one Dutch journalist at the press conference – just to say how much importance is attached to this game. But Roberto Martinez, he did his best to strike a different tone.

“This is also a preparation for the World Cup in Qatar, which is lurking around the corner,” emphasized the national coach. “I understand that the season has been long and it’s not easy to come here again, but once you’re here you want to go for it. I noticed that in training. Everyone is sharp. And say for yourself: we play in a sold out stadium, that was a long time ago. The Netherlands is not the first and best opponent, that will always remain a special match. And I want to go to that final round of the Nations League.”

If the Red Devils win this group, the final round will also be played in our country. “Something extra to look forward to”, says Jan Vertonghen.

Strongest Eleven

To put the deed to the word, Martinez may opt for his strongest eleven against Orange. So there is only the question of who will be in goal. The national coach did not want to answer. “Simon Mignolet has always proved reliable”, he did lift a corner of the veil. Who can blame him after the strong end of the season of the Club Brugge goalkeeper?

TEAM OF RED DEVILS

Mignolet

Alderweireld – Boyata – Vertonghen

Castagne – Witsel – Tielemans – Carrasco

De Bruyne – Lukaku – Eden Hazard

Substitutes: Casteels, Sels, Faes, Mechele, Theate, Meunier, Foket, Saelemaekers, Dendoncker, Onana, Praet, Vanaken, T. Hazard, Mertens, Trossard, Batshuayi, De Ketelaere, Januzaj

Injured: Courtois, Denayer

On 1 card of suspension: nobody

NETHERLANDS TEAM

Stains

De Ligt – Van Dijk – Blind

Dumfries – Koopmeiners – Berghuis – De Jong – Malacia

Mountain wine – Depay

Substitutes: Cilessen, Schouten, Ake, Martins Indi, Hateboer, Timber, De Vrij, Lang, Klaassen, Til, Gakpo, Weghorst

Injured: nobody

Suspended: nobody

On 1 card of suspension: nobody