Belgium qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup after winning all the group games and Japan could only qualify for KO stages on fair play points. Who will qualify for the last 8 tonight?
The European side have been fantastic in the tournament under the management of Spanish boss Roberto Martinez and they should be considered favorites to beat the Asians.
As far as the team news is concerned, more than a few star players were rested in the last group game vs England and we can expect them to return against Japan.
Read: Firmino starts – Brazil’s predicted 4-3-3 XI vs Mexico
Man United forward Lukaku should return to start as the lone striker up front. Behind him, the likes of Hazard and Mertens should start in the attack.
De Bruyne and Witsel will likely start in the midfield and the likes of Carrasco and Meunier should start in the wing-back positions.
As far as the defense is concerned, Vertonghen, Alderweireld and Boyata shoud start in front of Chelsea goalie Courtois.
Here is Belgium’s strongest possible XI to face Japan.
