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Belgium vs Slovakia: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024

Preview

Belgium vs Slovakia will be the second Group E game to take place on June 17 as the two teams will look to get off to a good start when they face off at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.

The Red Devils will enter this game on the back of a great run of form. They have been unbeaten in several games across competitions – a run that dates back to December 2022. This includes securing five wins and three draws in their last eight games. Belgium have netted 17 goals in this run and have conceded just five goals. They have won their last two outings and kept clean sheets in both and will look to do the same at Euro 2024.

Slovakia, on the other hand, will enter this contest on the back of a mixed run of form. They too have secured five wins in their last eight games across competitions, with two defeats and a draw in the remaining three matches. During that time, they have netted an impressive 18 goals and have conceded just nine. Having secured two back-to-back 4-0 wins, they will be confident about heading into this game.

With that said, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Belgium vs Slovakia Team News

Belgium national football team news

Casteels will be number 1 instead of Thibaut Courtois, who was dropped.
Casteels will be number 1 instead of Thibaut Courtois, who was dropped. (Getty Images)

When Belgium get their selection right, and players click, they can be one of the most daunting teams to face with the heaps of talent they boast in their ranks. Manager Domenico Tedesco will be acutely aware of this and will pick his XI accordingly.

Koen Casteels will retain his spot between the sticks, with Wout Faes and Axel Witsel in central defence in front of him. Amadou Onana will anchor the midfield, while Leandro Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne will play slightly further forward. Record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku will lead the line.

Slovakia national football team news

Martin Dubvravka will be a key player for Slovakia
Martin Dubvravka will be a key player for Slovakia. (Getty Images)

Similar to their next opponents, Slovakia have been in fine form of late. Manager Francesco Calzona will try and keep the same personnel in his next starting lineup as they look for a third-straight win.

Martin Dubravka will be trusted between the sticks, while Milan Skriniar and David Hancko will play ahead of him in central defense. Juraj Kucka and Ondrej Duda will man the midfield, while Robert Bozenik and Lukas Haraslin will lead the line for Slovakia.

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Predicted Lineups

Belgium national football team news

Koen Casteels (GK); Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier; Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne (C), Jeremy Doku; Romelu Lukaku.

Slovakia national football team news

Martin Dubravka (GK); Peter Pekarik, Denis Vavro, Milan Skriniar, David Hancko; Juraj Kucka, Stanislav Lobotka, Ondrej Duda; Ivan Schranz, Robertz Bozenik, Lukas Haraslin.

Key Players to Watch

Trossard
Trossard is coming off the back of a good season for Arsenal. (Getty Images)
  • Leandro Trossard (Belgium) – The Arsenal forward enjoyed a great season in North London, netting 17 times in 46 appearances for the club. He also provided two assists and will look to continue his will to be involved while playing for Belgium as well. He has made 34 appearances for Belgium so far, scoring nine times and providing four assists and will look to add to that.
  • Milan Skriniar (Slovakia) – Skriniar had a decent season for Paris Saint-Germain as he made 32 appearances across competitions and even bagged a goal. Having debuted for his nation nearly a decade ago in 2016, his experience is invaluable to the team. He has made 68 appearances for Slovakia, netting three times and providing two assists.

Head-to-Head Record

These two sides have faced off just once prior to their upcoming match. It was in an International Friendly back in 2013 as Belgium ran out 2-1 winners against Slovakia. Eden Hazard gave his team an early lead before Richard Lasik pulled on back for Slovakia late on. However, Dries Mertens scored in the 90th minute to seal victory.

Last Game

  • Belgium 2-1 Slovakia

Belgium vs Slovakia Prediction

With very little history between these two teams to go by, recent form suggests that this game will be much closer than it seems on paper. Slovakia does not have big-named marquee players but are well-coached by Francesco Calzona and could cause Belgium some problems when they meet. However, the Red Devils have better personnel so they should sneak away with a win.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Slovakia.

When & Where to watch Belgium vs Slovakia live?

Q. When & where will Belgium vs Slovakia take place?

A. This match will kick off at the Deutsche Bank Park on Monday, June 17 at 5:00 PM (GMT).

Q. Where can I watch this match in UK?

A. BBC TV Sport and ITV UK will be showing the game.

Q. Where can I watch this match in the USA?

A. Fubo TV will stream the Belgium vs Slovakia match in USA.

Q. Where can I watch this match in India?

A. Live Streaming will be available on SonyLIV app & website.

Q. Where can I watch this match in Belgium?

A. The match will be shown on RTBF and VRT Belgium.

Q. Where can I watch this game in Slovakia?

A. MARKIZA TV Slovakia will show this game.

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