For Belgium, the Round of 16 is just three points away with two group stage games still to play. The Red Devils managed a 2-1 win over Algeria in their opening fixture and will be looking to build on that victory. Marc Wilmots’ men have a healthy cushion since they lead the group with three points, ahead of Russia and South Korea with one each while Algeria are yet to record a point. It wasn’t all plain sailing winning those three points against Algeria as Belgium went a goal down and seemed bereft of ideas until substitute Marouane Fellaini sparked the comeback with his headed goal in a man-of-the-match performance. Despite his woes at Manchester United in the just concluded season, the giant midfielder is still a big performer for the Belgian national team.

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Russia played out a disappointing 1-1 draw against South Korea in their opening game and will have to do better if they are to make it to the next round. The Europeans came into the tournament with high expectations after topping their group in qualifying ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. However, the loss of their captain Roman Shirokov to injury just before the tournament has left a gaping hole in midfield and the dynamism he offers was sorely missed against the Asians. Bizarrely, Fabio Capello decided to leave both Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Kerzhakov on the bench for the start of the game against South Korea, seriously hampering Russia’s attacking play and it wasn’t until those two came on that the Europeans scored. Against an even stronger Belgium side, it remains to be seen whether Capello will play either of them. On the plus side, Russia do have a good defensive unit. They prevented the Koreans from creating any chances of note and would have kept a clean sheet but for Igor Akinfeev’s horrendous mistake in goal. If the Russians win this, they will leapfrog Belgium in the race for top spot in the group but a loss could see the end of their World Cup dreams.

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TEAM NEWS

Following their good showing against Algeria, Marc Wilmots might decide to install both Dries Mertens and Marouane Fellaini in the starting XI. Romelu Lukaku had a poor game last time out- he didn’t register a single shot on target- but should continue in attack for the Red Devils, for now. In defense, Team Captain Vincent Kompany is suffering from a minor groin strain but should shake it off in time for the fixture. Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen is expected partner Kompany in place of Daniel Van Buyten.

Russia manager Fabio Capello could decide to abandon his conservative approach this time to play attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev from the start. After his equalizer against South Korea, Aleksandr Kershakov could also start in place of Aleksandr Kokorin

Possible Lineups

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vertonghen, Vermaelen, Kompany, Alderweireld; Fellaini, Witsel; Hazard, De Bruyne, Mertens; Lukaku

Russia (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev; Eschenko, Ignashevich, Berezutskiy, Kombarov; Glushakov, Fayzulin; Zhirkov, Dzagoev, Samedov; Kershakov

PREDICTION

The Russians will defend well as expected but will offer more going forward this time around. I expect another close win for Belgium.

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