Romelu Lukaku is a doubt as Belgium get their World Cup campaign underway against Canada on Wednesday.
The Chelsea loaned striker played just 29 minutes for Inter Milan since August and he
continues to battle a thigh injury, which is likely to keep him out of his country’s first two Group F matches.
Michy Batshuayi is another options to get the nod to lead the line, with the pressure on Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard behind him to
deliver as Belgium finally look to live up to their potential on the biggest stage.
Thomas Meunier came off the bench in a friendly against Egypt last week as he continues his recovery from injury and that
could be enough for him to start, with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are familiar names likely to once again start in the back three.
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There is a decision for Roberto Martinez to make at left wing-back, with Yannick Carrasco
and Timothy Castagne pushing to earn their place in the starting lineup.
Canada have concerns over star man Alphonso Davies as they make their World Cup return,
even if the Bayern Munich left-back has declared he is “ready to start”.
Davies picked up a hamstring injury while playing for his club and is yet to fully recover,
not playing in either of the pre-tournament friendlies.
It remains to be seen whether Canada risk him or decide to save him for matches that, on paper at least, appear more favourable.
Lille’s Jonathan David will be crucial up front, with nine goals already in Ligue 1 this season.
He certainly has the ability to trouble that Belgium backline.
Predicted Belgium XI (3-4-3):
Courtois;
Debast, Alderweireld, Vertonghen;
Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco;
De Bruyne, Hazard, Batshuayi;
Predicted Canada XI (3-4-3):
Borjan;
Johnston, Vitoria, Miller;
Laryea, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Adekugbe;
Buchanan, David, Larin
