France will be looking to bounce back from their opening night setback in the Nations League when they square off with Belgium at the Groupama Stadium on Monday night.
Didier Deschamps’ side were caught cold in their Group A2 opener on Friday night, crashing to a 3-1 defeat at home to Italy.
That early body blow has left Les Bleus bottom of the group after one round of action so they can ill-afford to spill any further points on matchday two.
Seeking to bring a halt to their mini-slump, France will look to kick start their campaign by banking three points against Belgium.
The Red Devils got the job done in their maiden Group A2 assignment, swatting aside Israel 3-1 in Debrecen.
Following on from what was a disappointing showing from his team at Euro 2024, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco will be hoping that his side's matchday one victory will act as springboard for further success on Monday night.
How the bookies view it: French fancied for three points
Despite their lacklustre showing against Italy last time out, France are 7/10 favourites on Bet 365 to bounce back with a win over Belgium.
Fresh off the back of their 3-1 win over Israel, Belgium find themselves as big outsiders at 4/1 (Bet 365) while an all square affair at the Groupama Stadium can be backed at 14/5 (William Hill).
Head to head: France aiming for four in a row
France have proven to be a real thorn in Belgium’s side in recent years, winning each of the last three meetings between the two nations. The most recent encounter was at Euro 2024 earlier this summer, with Les Bleus dumping the Red Devils out at the round of 16 stage, much to the delight of our man Andy Delaney.
Players to watch: Mbappe to make his mark?
Kylian Mbappe struck twice for Real Madrid last weekend but he was unable to carry that form on to the international stage for France on Friday night. The French captain will be determined to rebound on Monday, making him an attractive anytime goalscorer option at 6/5 (Bet 365).
Kevin De Bruyne was in inspired form for Belgium on Friday night, netting twice against Israel. The Red Devils skipper looks overpriced at 5/1 (Bet 365) to make the net bulge again on matchday two.
Predicted line-ups
Didier Deschamps is expected to ring the changes on Monday night, with the likes of Jules Kounde, Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembele all pushing for starting positions.
Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco could stick with the same starting XI that overcame Israel on Friday night.
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Thuram, Mbappe
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, De Cuyper, Theate; De Bruyne, Onana, Tielemans, Lukebakio, Openda, Doku
Anything else catch the eye?
There is plenty of scope for an action-packed contest between these two heavyweights on Monday night, making over 2.5 goals an appealing angle of attack at 9/10 on Bet 365.
This bet would have proven profitable in each of the pair’s opening night contests on Friday.
Furthermore, this same selection would have also banked profit for over 2.5 goals bettors in five of Belgium’s last seven away games across all competitions.
This UEFA Nations League match between France and Belgium will be played on Sep 9, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best France vs Belgium prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
