Belgium and Switzerland prepare for their latest UEFA Nations League fixtures with an international friendly in Brussels.
Roberto Martinez and Vladimir Petkovic are expected to name much-changed lineups ahead of important matches at the weekend.
Match preview
© Reuters
With a 12-match winning streak contributing to Belgium becoming the world's best side, Martinez would have expected more of the same when taking on Ivory Coast, England and Iceland during the middle of October.
However, the Red Devils delivered three below-par performances, with defeat at the hands of England being followed by a scrappy win in Iceland.
With England losing to Denmark at Wembley Stadium, Belgium remain in pole position to win their UEFA Nations group, something which could hinge on the reverse fixture between the sides on Sunday evening.
Nevertheless, Martinez will first want to see an improved showing against Switzerland, regardless of whether he opts to ring the changes ahead of the competitive double-header.
Only five of this 32-man squad are 21 years of age or below, and it would come as a surprise if Martinez does not take the opportunity to hand further experience to some of the nation's prospects.
Switzerland boss Petkovic may take a similar approach to his opposite number with just under half of his 25-man squad having earned fewer than 10 caps in the senior setup.
That said, there will also be a desire to end a five-match winless-streak, a run which has put the nation on the brink of relegation to Tier B in the UEFA Nations League.
Despite two spirited draws against Germany, defeat to Ukraine at the beginning of September has left Switzerland needing to avoid defeat in Saturday's meeting with Spain to keep their hopes alive.
On the back of their showing in Cologne, Petkovic will feel that his side are capable of pulling off another surprise result, even with key defender Fabian Schar missing through suspension.
Belgium form (all competitions): WWWDLW
Switzerland form (all competitions): WLDLLD
Team News
© Reuters
Eden Hazard will play no part in Belgium's upcoming fixtures after recording a positive coronavirus test over the weekend.
Hendrik Van Crombrugge and Sebastiaan Bornauw may make their second outings for Belgium, while Nacer Chadli could be asked to deputise at left wing-back.
Charles De Ketelaere and Dodi Lukebakio, both 19 years of age, could be given their debuts from the substitutes' bench.
With Schar serving a suspension at the weekend, the Newcastle United centre-back should feature for Switzerland.
Goalkeeper Jonas Omlin could be provided with just his second cap, as could teenager Becir Omeragic and right-sided defender Jordan Lotomba.
Granit Xhaka may make an appearance after recently spending time among the Arsenal substitutes, but Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri is unlikely to be risked ahead of the Spain fixture.
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Van Crombrugge; Bornauw, Mechele, Vermaelen; Saelemaekers, Dendoncker, Vanaken, Chadli; Trossard, Batshuayi, Doku
Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Omlin; Comert, Schar, Omeragic; Lotomba, Xhaka, Sow, Fernandes, Rodriguez; Fassnacht, Itten
We say: Belgium 3-1 Switzerland
Despite the likelihood of experimental lineups being selected on Wednesday evening, we still expect the same result. Martinez has more strength in depth than in previous years, and several of his fringe players will be desperate to impress against solid opposition.
