UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League A

Nov 18, 2020 at 7.45pm UK

Stade Roi Baudouin

Belgium
4 - 2
Denmark

Tielemans (3'), Lukaku (57', 69'), De Bruyne (87')
Mertens (50')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Wind (17'), Courtois (86' og.)

Preview: Belgium vs. Denmark - prediction, team news, lineups

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter

Published: November 16 2020 | 11:21

Last updated: June 5 2024 | 13:46

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Nations League clash between Belgium and Denmark, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

The decider in League A Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League takes place on Wednesday as current leaders Belgium face off against second-placed Denmark at Den Dreef.

The hosts are two points above their opponents ahead of this winner-takes-all tie, with top spot and a place in next year's finals at stake for both countries.

Match preview

Belgium's Youri Tielemans celebrates scoring against England in the UEFA Nations League on November 15, 2020 © Reuters

Belgium ensured that lightning did not strike twice for England after losing to the Three Lions at Wembley last month, with Roberto Martinez's men running out 2-0 winners despite being on the back foot for large periods of the tie.

Youri Tielemans struck first for Belgium, who doubled their lead through a sweetly-struck Dries Mertens free kick, and the Red Devils' rearguard kept England at bay throughout the 90 minutes to leave Belgium needing just a point to advance to the finals.

October's defeat at Wembley remains the only time that Belgium have failed to pick up all three points in the 2020-21 Nations League, with Martinez's men winning four of their five group stage matches and chalking up 12 goals along the way - the most scored by any team in all four leagues.

With Mertens, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku running the show for Belgium, it is no surprise that the number-one ranked side in the world have accumulated an impressive number of goals in their bid to reach the Nations League finals, but the group is not done and dusted just yet.

Avoid defeat and the Red Devils will progress, but Belgium will cede their place in the final four to Denmark should their midweek opponents defy the odds and prevail on matchday six.

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand pictured on November 15, 2020 © Reuters

Denmark's penultimate match of the 2020-21 Nations League also saw them pick up a much-needed three points, although the Scandinavians' route to victory against Iceland was not a simple one by any means.

Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock from the spot before an 85th-minute goal from Vidar Kjartansson looked to have rescued a draw for Iceland, who would have secured their first-ever point in the Nations League before Eriksen struck once again from 12 yards in the dying moments.

It was a cruel blow for Iceland, but a crucial win for Denmark, who are still in with a shout of qualifying for the Nations League finals before their trip to Leuven, in which nothing less than a victory will do for the visitors.

Kasper Hjulmand's men certainly know all about wins, though, as Denmark have triumphed in their last five games in all competitions, and only Portugal and Italy (2) have conceded fewer goals than Denmark (3) in League A.

Belgium and Denmark locked horns in the first matchday of the 2020-21 Nations League, and it was the world's number one ranked side who took the spoils in that one thanks to goals from Jason Denayer and Mertens.

Belgium Nations League form: WWLWW
Belgium form (all competitions): WDLWWW

Denmark Nations League form: LDWWW
Denmark form (all competitions): DWWWWW

Team News

Kasper Schmeichel in action for Leicester City on July 16, 2020 © Reuters

Belgium will be without Thomas Meunier and Alex Witsel after the duo both picked up their second bookings of the tournament in the win over England.

As a result, the right-hand side is set to be occupied by Thomas Foket, while Leicester City's Dennis Praet could fill the void left by Witsel in midfield.

Otherwise, Belgium's lineup is set to remain the same, although Leander Dendoncker could potentially return from injury in time to challenge Praet for a spot in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, the injuries keep piling up all over the shop as Denmark number one Kasper Schmeichel was forced off following a heavy collision, although Hjulmand affirmed that the Leicester City man was not knocked unconscious.

Concussion protocols state that a player should not take to the pitch until six days have passed, but a decision over Schmeichel's involvement will ultimately be made by Denmark, with Frederik Ronnow on standby and ready to deputise if necessary.

Tottenham Hotspur's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is also available for this one having served a suspension, and the 25-year-old should slot straight into the midfield ahead of Brentford's Mathias Jensen.

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen; Foket, Praet, Tielemans, Hazard; Mertens, De Bruyne; Lukaku

Denmark possible starting lineup:
Ronnow; Christensen, Kjaer, Vestergaard; Wass, Delaney, Hojbjerg, Larsen; Eriksen; Braithwaite, Poulsen

SM words green background

We say: Belgium 2-1 Denmark

Wednesday's game is poised to be a fascinating winner-takes-all battle between two sides enjoying strong spells of form as of late. Belgium may be tempted to err on the side of caution, as all they need to do is stop Denmark winning to qualify, but Martinez will want to see his side stamp their authority on the group with a victory and we expect the Red Devils to secure a spot in the finals with a narrow triumph.

Top betting tip

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