Belgium coach Rudi Garcia surprises with line-up choices against Ukraine
Belgium take on Ukraine in the Nations League play-offs in Murcia, Spain, on Thursday night, with Koni De Winter, Brandon Mechele and Charles De Ketelaere unexpectedly named in the starting line-up.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returns after nearly two years away following a dispute with the previous coach, Domenico Tedesco. He is likely to play behind a four-man defence with Thomas Meunier on the right, De Winter and Mechele in the centre and Maxim De Cuyper on the left.
The inclusion of De Winter and Mechele comes as a surprise, with Wout Faes and Zeno Debast expected to start. A switch to a three-man defence remains a possibility.
In midfield, Zeno Debast is likely to take on a defensive role, with Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne ahead of him. De Ketelaere and Leandro Trossard will support striker Romelu Lukaku, while Jérémy Doku and Dodi Lukebakio start on the bench.
For Ukraine, Roman Yaremchuk starts up front in place of Artem Dovbyk, who is unavailable due to illness. The former Club Brugge and AA Gent striker will lead the attack.
© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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