In the final Group F fixture, already-qualified Belgium faces Azerbaijan at King Baudouin Stadium, aiming to experiment while Azerbaijan seeks redemption after a surprise victory against Sweden.
Match Preview:
Belgium, having sealed their place in Euro 2024, will utilize this match to explore different strategies. They enter the game with an impressive friendly win against Serbia, extending their unbeaten streak to nine games.
The Red Devils had their previous game against Sweden abandoned due to tragic incidents in Brussels.
However, they previously secured their Euro 2024 spot with consistent performances, which included a 1-0 win against Azerbaijan in the reverse fixture.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Euro 2024 journey has been challenging, with initial struggles in Group F.
However, a recent upset against Sweden saw them secure a remarkable 3-0 victory, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Team News:
Belgium’s star striker Romelu Lukaku is expected to return to the lineup after being rested in the friendly against Serbia.
However, key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois remain sidelined due to injuries.
For Azerbaijan, suspension rules out Bahlul Mustafazada, making way for Hojjat Haghverdi in the defensive line.
Strikers Renat Dadashov and Emin Mahmudov, who shined against Sweden, will lead Azerbaijan’s attacking front.
Predicted Lineups:
Belgium Possible Starting Lineup:(4-3-3)
Sels;
Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate;
Tielemans, Mangala, Carrasco;
Doku, Lukaku, Trossard
Azerbaijan Possible Starting Lineup:(4-4-1-1)
Mehemmedeliyev;
Mammadov, Kryvotsiuk, Haghverdi, Cafarguliyev;
Bayramov, Diniyev, Isayev, Sheydayev;
Mahmudov;
Dadashov
Prediction:
Belgium is expected to dominate with a 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan. Despite already securing their Euro 2024 qualification, Belgium’s depth and ambition may prove challenging for Azerbaijan, who are unlikely to replicate their recent exceptional performance against Sweden.