Match Preview: Belgium vs. Italy — A Battle for the Quarter-Finals

 
 
It's crunch time in Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League! Belgium and Italy will face off in Brussels at Stade Roi Baudouin, with everything to play for as we head towards the conclusion of the group stage. For Italy, a single point will secure a spot in the quarter-finals, while Belgium faces a "win or go home" scenario. With their last victory over Italy dating back to 1972, the Red Devils need all the luck—and maybe a miracle—they can muster.
 
 
 

The Story So Far: ✍️✍️

 
Belgium's Group 2 campaign has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with just one win in their four matches. They came close but stumbled against France last month, losing 2-1 in a drama-filled match that saw Youri Tielemans miss a penalty and Lois Openda score right before the break. The loss leaves Belgium third in the group, needing nothing less than a victory to keep their hopes alive.
 
Italy, on the other hand, has bounced back from a disappointing Euro 2024 showing with an impressive Nations League run. Luciano Spalletti's revamped side has earned 10 points from 12, including a dominant 4-1 win over Israel in their last outing. They even managed to draw with Belgium despite going down to 10 men for over half the match. It's been a refreshing change for the Azzurri, who are just a point away from sealing their spot in the next round.
 
 

Team News: 📄📄

 
Belgium:🇧🇪
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco has his work cut out, with several key players missing. Captain Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, and Thomas Meunier are all unavailable, adding to Belgium's woes. However, Romelu Lukaku returns, hoping to power the Red Devils' attack. A few fresh faces like Juventus youngster Samuel Mbangula have been called up to fill the gaps.
 
Italy:🇮🇹
Italy isn't without their own injury concerns, as Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and Torino's Samuele Ricci are sidelined, along with long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. But with Manuel Locatelli returning to bolster midfield options and in-form strikers Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean battling for a spot, Italy looks ready to handle the challenge.
 
 

Predicted Lineups: 👥👥

 
Belgium Starting XI🇧🇪:
Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate; Mangala, Onana; Lukebakio, Trossard, Bakayoko; Lukaku
 
Italy Starting XI🇮🇹:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Barella; Retegui
 
 
 

Key Stats to Know: 📈📉

 
👉Both teams have scored in Belgium's last 7 home matches in the Nations League.
 
👉Italy's last 6 Nations League matches have seen goals from both sides.
 
👉Belgium has managed to avoid defeat in 97 of their last 115 games across all competitions—although recent form has dipped.
 
👉Italy remains unbeaten in 140 of their last 162 games overall.
 
👉Belgium's recent form is shaky, with only 1 win in their last 6 matches.
 
👉Italy has won 3 straight away games in the Nations League.
 
 

Insights and Predictions: 📊📊

 
Belgium’s injury list is long, and with key players missing, the pressure is on Romelu Lukaku to lead from the front. Italy, though, has been in strong form under Spalletti's guidance and only needs to avoid defeat to reach the quarter-finals. Given that both teams have a knack for finding the net—and conceding—it wouldn’t be surprising to see another score draw. A 1-1 result seems like a safe bet, with Italy doing just enough to get through.
 
Find the Link here🖥: https://www.msport.com/ng/web/sports/Soccer/International_UEFA_Nations_League/Belgium_vs_Italy/sr:match:47659#preview
 
 
 
Chelsea vs. Arsenal – Blues’ Chance to Make Gunners Suffer Even More in London Derby

Chelsea vs. Arsenal – Blues’ Chance to Make Gunners Suffer Even More in London Derby

Enzo Maresca’s high-flying Blues will have the opportunity to make an Arsenal side that is winless in its last 3 EPL games, feel even more heat than they’re currently feeling when the two teams clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the London derby.

Thanks to MStats from MSports, we can dive into the key stats, head-to-head history, and tactical aspects that shape this fierce matchup.

Pre-Match Analysis:

Chelsea Players Celebrating Goal

Chelsea are fresh off an emphatic 8-0 victory over Noah in the UEFA Conference League, showcasing their offensive power.

Domestically, the Blues have been resilient, losing only once in their last nine matches and boasting an eight-game unbeaten streak at home. They’re looking to maintain their position in the top four.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have stumbled, with back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Newcastle and Inter Milan. Mikel Arteta’s men now find themselves seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal Players Celebrating Goal

Despite their rough patch, Arsenal have won six straight London derbies and will be determined to regain momentum in this critical fixture.

Head-to-Head History (H2H):

Arsenal hold the recent edge in this rivalry, winning four of the last five Premier League encounters, including a 5-0 rout at the Emirates in April.

Chelsea, however, haven’t beaten Arsenal in the league since 2021. This historic matchup at Stamford Bridge will test both teams' resilience in a season where both need points to stay competitive.

Mstats' Top Players Pick for Chelsea vs Arsenal

MSport’s Top Player Pick from M Stats

Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s Attacking Spark

Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea, tallying 12 direct goal involvements this season (7 goals 5 assists) according to MStats. Palmer’s creativity, vision, and danger in front of goal will be crucial for Chelsea as they aim to break Arsenal’s defence.

Kai Havertz: Arsenal’s Defacto 9

According to MStats’ data, Kai Havertz is the Gunner’s top player in the league with 4 goals and one assist from 900 minutes in the EPL this season.

Chelsea's Felix & Arsenal's Havertz, formerly a Chelsea Player

Chelsea’s 70% score for both teams scoring in their last 10 EPL games means their former player, Kai, along with the rest of the Arsenal attack, should not struggle to net against the Blues.

Tactical Insights: Maresca vs. Arteta: Contrasting Approaches

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca employs a fluid style, emphasizing quick transitions and high pressing. Arteta, however, prefers a structured 4-3-3 setup, building around a solid midfield.

MStats' Team Profiles & Forms

Chelsea’s pressing intensity will challenge Arsenal’s ball retention, while the Gunners will rely on set pieces and probative creating to hurt the Blues.

Chelsea’s potent attack, as seen in their European exploits, faces an Arsenal side that’s managed six clean sheets in London derbies. This tactical chess match between Maresca and Arteta will likely see each manager adjusting to exploit defensive gaps.

Final Takeaway:

Team Efficiency Stats From MStats for their Home & Away EPL Games

With both teams in search of the 3 crucial points on offer, this London derby would have all the hallmarks of an all-timer EPL classic. Chelsea’s Palmer and Arsenal’s Saka offer the best chance for breaking the deadlock but expect both defences to play a starring role.

For more insights, live updates, and detailed stats, visit MSport’s Betting Platform and explore M Stats for in-depth data on all Premier League games.



🔗You can follow & check out the EPL game, Chelsea vs Arsenal, on 👉MSport.

#Chelsea #Arsenal #PremierLeague #LondonDerby #EPL #Gunners #Blues

 

© 2024 MSport. All Rights Reserved