The terror attacks in Belgium forced authorities to shift the venue of the international friendly between the Red Devils and Portugal from Brussels to Leiria, where the two sides will continue their Euro 2016 preparations on Tuesday.
Despite the tragic events of the past week, Belgium and Portugal will look to turn their focus to football in the last international break of the 2015-2016 club season.
The Belgians have a long list of injuries to contend with — especially in defence — and head coach Marc Wilmots may be forced to field a weaker team. However, Wilmots does have depth in his squad and no matter who takes to the field on Tuesday night, the Red Devils are set to be the favourites.
On the other hand, Portugal boss Fernando Santos might rest his star man Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Real Madrid forward’s crucial club match against FC Barcelona this weekend.
Lineups
Portugal
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Patricio; Eliseu, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Vierinha; Moutinho, W. Carvalho, Adrien; Ronaldo, Hugo Viana, Bernardo Silva.
Belgium
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; J. Lukaku, Lombaerts, Vermaelen, Cavanda; Nainggolan, Witsel; Mertens, Dembele, Chadli; R. Lukaku.
Key Stats
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last five international matches.
- Wilmot’s men have managed to score 14 goals in these five matches.
- Portugal, on the other hand, have not been as good as the Belgians of late, winning just three of their last five internationals.
- They have kept two clean sheets during this period as compared to Belgium’s one.
- Belgium have not beaten Portugal since 1989.
Prediction
Portugal 1-3 Belgium
While Portugal are a decent side, Belgium have finally started living up to their potential by topping their Euro 2016 qualification group that also consisted of quality teams like Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Red Devils will be the dark horses for the 2016 Euros in France and will look to continue their good run of form with a victory against Portugal.
Odds (Paddy Power)
- Portugal: 13/10
- Draw: 9/4
- Belgium: 21/10