Missing Players and team news:
Kevin De Bruyne has had surgery for facial injuries suffered in the Champions League final but is unlikely to be risked against Russia, at least from the start. Roberto Martinez also needs to manage Eden Hazard carefully this summer given his injury woes so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Real Madrid winger build momentum into the tournament. His brother, Thorgan, could start in his place. Axel Witsel is in the Belgium squad but it would be a real surprise if he played at all this summer given he suffered a serious Achilles injury at the start of the year. Jason Denayer and Thomas Vermaelen are in competition to complete Belgium’s back three on Saturday. Russia are expected to mirror Belgium’s 3-4-2-1 formation with captain Artem Dzyuba leading the line. 37-year-old Yuri Zhirkov is looking to feature in his fifth major tournament for Russia, remarkably still making the Russia squad.
Belgium – Russia: Preview and Highest Odds
