Prediction: Belgium vs Spain

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: William Hill

Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez takes charge of his first game as the new Belgium manager as the Red Devils face star-studded Spain in a high-profile friendly. His counterpart Julen Lopetegui is in the same situation after taking over from Vicente Del Bosque, so no doubts both managers as well as their squads will be looking to impress at Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels.

Belgium

This Belgium side is considered by many to be one of the most talented national teams in Europe, but the reality is they have yet to reach their full potential. The Red Devils have crashed out in the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup and the Euro 2016 finals, so it is not that surprising that Marc Wilmots was sacked and Roberto Martinez brought to replace him. The former Everton boss has added Arsenal icon Thierry Henry to his coaching staff, hoping that the Frenchman will help the team realise its attacking potential, and with ten attack-minded footballers in his first squad, it looks as though the Spaniard will want Belgium to dominate the opposition from start to finish. That is not going to be an easy task against tiki-taka Spain, but we fully expect the hosts to adopt a positive approach in Brussels and attempt to record a high-profile win that would be more than welcome ahead of the start of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The Red Devils have done fairly well in international friendlies of late, defeating Italy, Switzerland and Norway, while losing to Portugal and sharing spoils with Finland. They were supposed to face Spain in November 2015, but the match was called off due to terror threat.

Team News

Vincent Kompany and Marouane Fellaini both miss out through injury, whereas Nacer Chadli and Adnan Januzaj have been overlooked.

Radja Nainggolan, Thomas Vermaelen, Kevin De Bruyne and Thomas Meunier were spared from the first training, but they should be fit to play.

Spain

The Euro 2016 finals marked the end of an era for Spain, who were again unable to reach the closing stages of the competition, having been completely outclassed by old rivals Italy in the Last 16 stage. Long-serving coach Vicente Del Bosque decided to step down from the post and the national team bosses decided to appoint former Spain Under-21 coach Julen Lopetegui as his successor. Many believe that was a very good move as the former Real Madrid and Barcelona goalkeeper has already worked with quite a few players from the current squad and he has already made his mark in naming his first roster. Veterans Iker Casillas and Cesc Fabregas were both left out, while Real Madrid starlet Marco Asencio and Atletico Madrid hotshot Saul Niguez made the cut. Another news is that Chelsea striker Diego Costa returns to the squad after he missed the Euro 2016 finals, and no doubts he will be eager to prove his worth on international stage after failing to do so during his previous outings for La Furia Roja. With Spain facing minnows Liechtenstein in their opening 2018 World Cup Qualifying fixture, chances are that Julen Lopetegui will field his strongest side in Brussels.

Team News

Andres Iniesta (injury), Isco, Juanfran, Pedro, Aritz Aduriz, Hector Bellerin and Mikel San Jose are some of the notable missings, in addition to aforementioned Iker Casillas and Cesc Fabregas.

There have been no major selection issues for Julen Lopetegui, although Gerard Pique is rated doubtful as he suffered a calf injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Martinez and Lopetegui set for debuts
• Spain won last four matches vs Belgium
• Belgium lost last four home games vs Spain
• Both teams scored in 9 of their 12 meetings
• Spain conceded in four of last five friendly fixtures

Conclusion

With an amazing attacking potential at his disposal, Roberto Martinez can be trusted to attack Spain from the off and attempt to prove his worth to his compatriots. Julen Lopetegui and his La Furia Roja will also be hoping to impress in Brussels, so backing both teams to score should be a safe option.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: William Hill