© BELGIUM
It has not been much more difficult to predict Roberto Martinez’s probable eleven. Four or three defenders? Kevin De Bruyne a row back or in his usual place? What about Romelu Lukaku? An attempt to get into the head of Roberto Martinez.
Ludo Vandewalle in Doha
There are only six names that are beyond doubt: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, De Bruyne, Witsel and Eden Hazard. The goalkeeper is the most beyond all doubt. That is Thibaut Courtois. Be on the defensive for sure Toby Alderweireld in Jan Vertonghen. They did well against Morocco and that is enough for the national coach to keep them.
But what about the defense? Gets Leander Dendoncker his chance again? That could very well be because Timothy Castagne can move to the right flank. Thomas Meunier was not good against the Moroccans there and he was also indirectly responsible for the 1-0. Meunier made the unnecessary mistake that led to the free kick.
Midfield
We tip on a three-man defense in possession and with four in the back. Then you can Timothy Castagne strengthen the right side in defence. When in possession he will run on the right as a wingback. Central in midfield Axel Witsel one of those certainties. Because it can sometimes go wrong with the ball stability in the middle lane, would Kevin De Bruyne can go down a row. Against the strong midfield of Croatia, a top player like De Bruyne is coming. The national coach suggested that as a possibility this week. Youri Tielemans and Hans Vanaken are other possibilities besides Witsel. Amadou Onana drops out because he is suspended.
It goes on the left Thorgan Hazard and Yannick Carrasco with a slight preference for Thorgan Hazard as he did better defensively against Morocco than Carrasco did against Canada.
Attack
makes Leandro Trossard his appearance? That is possible if De Bruyne actually takes root in the middle lane. Then he stands with Eden Hazard behind the deep striker in the team and that discussion has already been resolved. Just like at the European Championship, the national coach can also surprise with Jérémy Doku in that position. He played less than a second at this World Cup. Dries Mertens is a confidant and can also. Charles De Ketelaere did not have the best match against Morocco.
In rush hour it depends on one thing. Is Romelu Lukaku fit enough to start? We bet it does. If not, it’s between Michy Batshuayi and Loïs Openda. Because of his scoring ability with the Red Devils – the only goal at this World Cup came from his foot – preference will go to Batshuayi. Openda can surprise more than Batshuayi as a substitute.
