Romelu Lukaku misses Belgium’s World Cup clash with Canada today.
The forward has 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.
In his absence, Michy Batshuayi gets 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.
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Thomas Meunier came off the bench in a friendly against Egypt last week as he continues his recovery from injury but it is not enough for him to start, with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld are familiar names likely to once again start in the back three.
There was a decision for Roberto Martinez to make at left wing-back, with Timothy Castagne getting the nod.
Canada had 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”. Their leading player, however, starts.
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.
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, Dendoncker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Castagne, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco, De Bruyne, Hazard, Batshuayi
Predicted Canada XI (3-4-3): Borjan, Johnston, Vitoria, Miller, Laryea, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Davies, Buchanan, David, Larin
