World Cup 2018: Belgium vs Tunisia prediction, odds, team line-ups and preview as the Red Devils look to keep the heat on in Group G
After victory over Panama first up, Belgium will look to further flex their muscles against a Tunisia side still licking their wounds after a last-gasp defeat to England
DESPITE the 3-0 scoreline against Panama, Belgium received some fierce criticism for their laboured first-half performance in their Group G opener.
So Roberto Martinez’s men will want to put on a show in Moscow - and seal their spot in the last 16.
Tunisia will look to frustrate the Red Devils, much like they did against England before Harry Kane’s injury-time winner.
The nation expects:
Belgium supporters will be expecting another three points and a hatful of goals. They are disappointed with anything else these days.
Tunisia have never got out of a World Cup group stage and their fans would be overjoyed with a point.
Key battles/star men:
Romelu Lukaku was accused of “hiding” in the first half against Panama by his team-mate Eden Hazard.
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But he scored twice after the break and he will have the Golden Boot firmly in his sights.
For Tunisia, Sunderland’s Wahbi Khazri - despite being quiet against England - will be the man tasked with getting at Belgium’s backline.
Weakest links:
Belgium's left wing-back Yannick Carrasco leaves gaping holes behind him when he goes flying down the flank.
Tunisia look vulnerable from set-pieces having scored twice from corners against England.
Likely line-ups and Team Talk:
Martinez is expected to pick the same starting XI. Thomas Vermaelen is back in training after a hamstring injury but is unlikely to be risked. Vincent Kompany is still out with a groin problem.
Belgium likely (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen; Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, Carrasco; Mertens, Hazard; Lukaku.
Tunisia keeper Mouez Hassen is out of the World Cup after injuring his shoulder against England. Farouk Ben Mustapha is expected to take his place.
Tunisia likely (4-1-4-1): Ben Mustapha; Bronn, S Ben Youssef, Meriah, Maaloul; Skhiri; F Ben Youssef, Sassi, Badri, Sliti; Khazri.
Best Bet
Romelu Lukaku grabbed a double in the opening match against Panama, can he keep it up?
Prem Tsar in the making:
Thorgan Hazard younger brother of Eden - began his career at Chelsea but never played a first-team game.
He is now a regular at Borussia Mönchengladbach and looks ready for a Premier League return.
Fact Me
- This will be the fourth meeting between Belgium and Tunisia, with both nations winning one game and sharing one draw.
- The most recent meeting between Belgium and Tunisia was a friendly in 2014, with Dries Mertens scoring a late winner for Belgium in a 1-0 win in Brussels.
- This is Belgium and Tunisia’s second meeting at a World Cup tournament – they previously drew 1-1 in the 2002 group stages, in what was Tunisia’s only point in that edition.
- Belgium are unbeaten in their three previous World Cup games against African opponents, with a draw against Tunisia in 2002 the only game they failed to win.
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 10 World Cup group games, winning the last five in a row (W5 D5 L0).
- Each of Belgium’s last 11 World Cup goals have come after half-time.
- Tunisia are winless in their last 12 World Cup matches (D4 L8), since beating Mexico in their first ever match in the competition (3-1 in 1978).
- The last team to have a longer winless run in the World Cup than Tunisia’s current run of 12 was South Korea (14 games between 1954 and 1998).
- Tunisia have scored with their only shot on target so far at this World Cup.
- Only Jan Ceulemans (6) has scored more goals in major tournaments for Belgium (World Cup and European Championships) than Romelu Lukaku (5, level with Marc Wilmots).