Belgium coach Marc Wilmots will make alterations after his team struggled to a 2-1 victory over Algeria on Tuesday.

Algeria went into the break with a 1-0 lead before Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens, who had been introduced after half time, scored in the final 20 minutes to ensure that Belgium got off to a winning start.

While Mertens could remain on the bench, Fellaini is likely to replace Nacer Chadli, while Thomas Vermaelen could start instead of Daniel van Buyten.

Captain Vincent Kompany is a doubt with a minor groin strain, while Wilmots must also decide whether to keep faith with Romelu Lukaku, who was ineffective during his 57 minutes against Algeria,

Russia failed to impress during their opening game with South Korea, but they still came away with a point that could potentially be vital at the conclusion of the group stages.

Striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov was introduced midway through the second half before netting the equaliser, and he could earn a starting role if boss Fabio Capello decides to make changes in his attack.

Recent form

Belgium: DWWWW

Russia: WWWDD

Possible starting lineups

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Dembele, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku

Russia: Akinfeev; Ignashevich, Glushakov, Kokorin, Berezutskiy, Shatov, Zhirkov, Samedov, Fayzulin, Eshchenko, Kerzhakov

Sports Mole says: 2-1

Written by
Darren Plant

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