Having most definitely secured a place in the Round of 16, Belgium will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten record of 12/12 wins in the Euros against Finland on Monday at St Petersburg with kick off starting at 8pm. The Red Devils previous two fixtures resulted in victories over both Russia and Denmark whereas Finland lost against Russia but beat Denmark in their opening match. With both Russia and Finland going into the final game of the group on level points, Finland will be looking for a win or draw to go through if Russia lose to Denmark. Therefore, anything is possible and Finland must go into this game as though their lives depend on it.
While fans and pundits are expecting Belgium to come out on top against Finland not much separates the two teams. Finland’s record in the previous 11 meetings with Belgium result in winning four and drawing three of their matches. Finland could top the group if they beat Belgium and Russia lose.
Predicted Starting 11: Belgium vs Finland
With a place in the knockout stages almost certain, Roberto Martinez will be hoping to make changes to his starting 11 ahead of their match with Finland. With that in mind, Kevin de Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard may start for Belgium. This is so that they can have minutes under their belts and improve their fitness. However, Timothy Castagne is still unavailable after the clash of heads in the Russia game.
Predicted starting 11 for Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Dendonker, Vertonghen, Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, E.Hazard, T.Hazard, Lukaku and Carrasco
Finland have a full 26 man squad to choose from. In hope to challenge Belgium’s players they will be hoping to stay solid in defence. For that reason Markku Kanerva will play his strongest 11.
Predicted starting 11 for Finland: Hradecky, O’Shaughnessy, Arajuuri, Toivio, Uronen, Kamara, Sparv, Kauko, Raitala, Pohjanpalo, Pukki.
Predicted Score
Given the well known names,talent and experience that the Belgium team have for candidates to start for the side. The Red Devils should come out on top 3-0 with the only concern being performance of the defence.
