Belgium Team News: Marc Wilmots likely to name an unchanged side for the quarterfinal clash against Hungary

TOULOUSE, FRANCE - JUNE 25: In this handout image provided by UEFA, Player Axel Witsel and Head coach Marc Wilmots of Belgium attend the press conference at Stadium Municipal on June 25, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Handout/Getty Images)

On the back of two consecutive wins, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is likely to field the same side that edged Sweden by a 1-0 scoreline. Despite being on yellow cards, the trio of Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel is expected to be named in the playing eleven.

The decision to bring in Radja Nainggolan in place of Moussa Dembele proved to be a fruitful one, as the Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder scored a long-ranger against Sweden to secure second place for the Belgians, and he is expected to retain his spot in the starting eleven.

The back five of Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen and Thomas Meunier look certain to start the game. Laurent Ciman, who struggled in the Red Devils’ first game of the tournament, would be content with a spot on the bench.

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Axel Witsel has proven to be a terrific anchor at the heart of the Belgian midfield, and is expected to take centre stage alongside Nainggolan. Ahead of the double-pivot, Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard and Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne are guaranteed to start. Both have had recent injury worries, but are deemed fit to start the match against Hungary. Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco has impressed in his two starts and should feature on the right flank for Belgium.

With two goals to his name in the Euros, Romelu Lukaku will lead the lines for the Red Devils and would look to add to his goals tally. Divock Origi or Christian Benteke are expected to play the cameo role and give Belgium additional options in the final third.

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini might make a case for a place in the squad, as he would give the team a physical presence in midfield. He is also a threat in both boxes with his fascinating aerial prowess. Also, if Wilmots’ side are holding on to a narrow lead, Fellaini could be a welcome substitute to nullify the likes of Zoltan Gera and Adam Pinter in the Hungarian midfield.

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