After a nervy win at the weekend saw them seize top spot in Group F, Belgium aim to put one foot in the Euro 2024 finals by beating Estonia at Stade Roi Baudouin on Tuesday.

Victory would assure at least a four-point buffer to third placed Sweden in the group table, with just three games left to play before the qualifying process concludes.

Match preview

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Only a lucky goal from Yannick Carrasco separated the sides in Belgium's 1-0 win over Azerbaijan on Saturday afternoon, but that was still enough to elevate the Red Devils above former leaders Austria to the top of European Championship qualifying Group F.

Amid sweltering conditions in Baku, Belgium hit the post through Leandro Trossard before Johan Bakayoko's long-range shot struck Carrasco and was diverted into the net, and holding out for maximum points ensured they moved into first place on goal difference.

With 10 points from four matches, Domenico Tedesco's side are on course for a guaranteed ticket to Germany next summer, as they join Austria in leading third-placed Sweden by four points at the halfway stage.

Belgium can further cement their place in Group F's top two by doing the double over Estonia, after a goal from Bakayoko and Romelu Lukaku's brace earned them a 3-0 win in Tallinn at the end of last season.

Having stepped into the hotseat following a disappointing World Cup campaign, new coach Tedesco started his tenure impressively, as a Lukaku hat-trick saw off Sweden in Belgium's opening qualifier and they then recorded a 3-2 friendly victory over Germany.

Several members of the old guard have departed the scene and, with Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne also out injured, new stars such as Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku and PSV's Bakayoko are now leading the Red Devils' pursuit of an elusive first international title.

If they can now wrap up this month's camp by securing six points from six - thereby extending their unbeaten streak to seven matches - Belgium can feel that automatic qualification for Euro 2024 is theirs for the taking.

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Following their home loss to the Belgians and a more close-fought 2-1 defeat in Austria, Estonia suffered their third Group F reverse on Saturday evening, and in quite a humbling manner.

Having picked up just one point from their first three fixtures, they sat second-bottom of the group - only avoiding last place by virtue of a superior goal difference to Azerbaijan - and events in Tallinn left them reeling.

Thomas Haberli's men - who were only denied by two late Austrian goals and also led Azerbaijan until the final half-hour of a 1-1 draw - found themselves picked apart by Sweden's vibrant attack, as a three-goal deficit at half-time became a 5-0 thumping by the final whistle.

At Nations League level, Estonia have enjoyed successes against the likes of San Marino and Malta - and next month's qualifier against the Azeris could offer another opportunity - but when they are required to step up a rung they have understandably been found wanting.

Therefore, damage limitation may be the priority in Brussels, where new-look Belgium will want to put on a show of strength in front of their demanding home fans.

Team News

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While Belgium are without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne due to injury, the latter's new Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku is among several players with fewer than 20 caps selected by Domenico Tedesco this month.

While vice-captain Romelu Lukaku joins skipper Jan Vertonghen in the 100-cap club, less experienced men such as Johan Bakayoko and Arthur Theate also started in Azerbaijan and should feature again on Tuesday evening.

Despite competition from RB Leipzig's Lois Openda and long-time back-up Michy Batshuayi, Lukaku - who has played only 20 minutes of club football this season - is set to start, in search of his 20th European Championship qualifying goal.

Meanwhile, Koen Casteels should continue to deputise for Courtois between the posts, although Matz Sels and uncapped Luton Town keeper Thomas Kaminski are also contenders.

Estonia may make a handful of changes following their heavy loss to Sweden, but options available to Swiss coach Thomas Haberli are relatively limited.

Having scored four times in his last eight international appearances, star striker Rauno Sappinen was ruled out of action by a recent knee injury, leaving only Erik Sorga as a likely alternative for Hong Kong-based Henri Anier to lead the line up front.

Captain Konstantin Vassiljev will win his 153rd cap on Tuesday, but if Shamrock Rovers midfielder Markus Poom is promoted to the starting XI, the 39-year-old may have to do so from off the bench.

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Mangala, Onana, Trossard; Doku, Lukaku, Carrasco

Estonia possible starting lineup:
Hein; Kuusk, Tamm, Mets; Peetson, Poom, Kait, Miller, Pikk; Ojamaa, Anier

We say: Belgium 4-0 Estonia

Victory is surely inevitable for a Belgium side still boasting plenty of talent in spite of recent retirements and injuries. As Estonia were walloped at the weekend, they will seek to keep the scoreline down in Brussels; but when space opens up as the game wears on, the Red Devils can take full advantage.


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Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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