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Recommended bets
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Match preview
Belgium are the only side in Group F to have won so far, although their victory on Wednesday was far from convincing.
The Red Devils beat Canada 1-0; Michy Batshuayi firing home on the cusp of half time, getting on the end of Toby Alderweireld’s long forward pass.
However, this doesn’t begin to tell the story, with Canada racking up an xG figure of 2.83, compared to Belgium’s 0.86.
Of course, Roberto Martínez’s team will be delighted with the result, but will be looking for a far more convincing and cohesive display this time.
Given all of that, Morocco will believe they are capable of a first World Cup victory in the 21st century.
The Atlas Lions played out an uneventful goalless draw with Croatia in Al Khor; Noussair Mazraoui going closest for the North African side.
But, Walid Regragui’s side showed enough in that opener to suggest they are capable of adding to that here.
Will Belgium’s quality see them to another victory, or will Al-Thumama Stadium become an historic venue for Morocco?
Belgium team news
Captain Eden Hazard was an unsuccesful starter in mid-week, playing for 62 minutes, last playing that long in a Real Madrid match on 23 January.
Similarly, 33 year old Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, now 35, are still starting at centre-back, controversial choices back in Belgium.
Amadou Onana and Thomas Meunier came on at half time, replacing Youri Tielemans and Yannick Carrasco, so it’ll be interesting to see if either start.
Similarly, many feel Leandro Trossard, who’s scored seven times in the Premier League this season, should displace Hazard.
Michy Batshuayi will continue the lead the line as Romelu Lukaku is still on the mend.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Alderweireld, Dendoncker, Vertonghen; Meunier, Witsel, Tielemans, Castagne; De Bruyne, E Hazard; Batshuayi.
Morocco team news
Morocco are set to be without Noussair Mazraoui, probably for the rest of the tournament, after he was stretchered off on Wednesday.
This’ll see Yahia Attiyat Allah come in at left-back.
On the other side, Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech will be hoping to link-up more, as they have the potential to form a very dangerous duo.
Youssef En-Nesyri, who’s scored at three different editions of AFCON, as well as the 2018 World Cup, will be targeting another major tournament goal.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saïss, Attiyat Allah; Ounahi, Amallah, Amrabat; Ziyech, Boufal, En-Nesyri.
Belgium vs Morocco: Head to head statistics
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