We hopefully have another exhilarating day of World Cup football, which kicks off with these key clash between Belgium and Tunisia. Belgium can take full advantage and extend their lead at the top of Group G before their nearest rivals England kick-off tomorrow.
The Group G match between Belgium and Tunisia kicks off at 1pm at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow.
Belgium
Belgium finally came out of their shell in the second half to ease past Panama 3-0 in their opening group game, reportedly thanks to some strong words in Romelu Lukaku’s direction from skipper Eden Hazard. They are clear favourites to take this game against Tunisia and get through to the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Players To Watch
It will be interesting to see whether coach Roberto Martinez utilises the full capabilities of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne who was played in a much more deeper role than he has been used to, against Panama.
His club teammate Vincent Kompany is not expected to be feature for The Red Devils until the knock-out stages of the tournament. Former Blue Dedryck Boyata, now of Celtic, filled his role admirably against Panama in a back-three with current Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
Absences
Vincent Kompany is suffering from a groin injury. Thomas Vermaelen is out with a hamstring injury.
Predicted Line-Up
Thibaut Courtois - Dedryck Boyata - Toby Alderweireld - Jan Vertonghen - Axel Witsel - Kevin De Bruyne - Yannick Carrasco - Thomas Meunier - Dries Mertens - Eden Hazard - Romelu Lukaku
Tunisia
Tunisia were run ragged by England in the first twenty minutes of the first match of their campaign and will struggle still to contain the attacking threat of Mertens, Hazard, and Lukaku. However, it is important to remember Les Aigles de Carthage were only defeated by the Lions by one single goal and impressed over the course of the match. They are currently ranked 21st in the FIFA World Rankings.
Players To Watch
Naim Sliti is a keen dribbler of the ball and is supported fairly ably by Ferjani Sassi, scorer of the penalty against England, in the centre of midfield.
Dylan Bronn, who plays for Belgian side Gent, is also a young talent to watch-out for at right-back and can offer a valuable contribution in attacking movements.
Tunisia however are without their key threat, Youssef Msakni who has had to miss the tournament after suffering from a knee ligament injury sustained in April.
Absences
Goalkeeper Mouez Hassen is out with a shoulder injury sustained in the England match.
Predicted Line-Up
Farouk Ben Mustapha - Ali Maaloul - Syam Ben Youssef - Yassine Meriah - Dylan Bronn - Ellyes Skhiri - Ferjani Sassi - Naim Sliti - Anice Badri - Syam Ben Youssef - Wahbi Khazri
Did You Know?
Tunisia have only kept one clean sheet in 13 World Cup games
Prediction: Belgium 2-0 Tunisia
You can follow the match live with The Sportsman below.
