What a mouth-watering fixture we have on our hand today. France will take on Belgium in an epic match to reach World Cup final. I would like to talk with you guys about some important points of this match.

- France will start with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Blaise Matuidi will return to starting line-up replacing Tolisso. France in attack switches to 4-3-3 formation & in defence, they switch to the 4-4-2 formation. Griezmann switches to midfield duties while defending. Kylian Mbappé & Olivier Giroud stays up front.

- I believe France will not commit the same mistake what Brazil did of sending their full-backs in the attack. Brazil seriously messed up by using attack-minded full-backs, they should have gone with Filipe Luís rather than Marcelo.

France has Lucas Hernandez & Benjamin Pavard which both have a defence as their first priority. France will surely benefit from this as they will have the task of stopping Hazard & Lukaku.

- France has best holding midfielder in N'Golo Kanté. Kante has the best stat in total no. of tackles & interception as a midfielder in this WC. Kante is excellent in tracking back opponent main players. Today he should keep a check on Kevin de Bruyne. Belgium excellently used KDB as false-9. If Belgium is again going to use him as they have used again him against Brazil; then France will be hoping Kante will be at his best to stop him. Kante Vs KDB will a battle to watch.

- France Kylian Mbappé has been a hot topic in this WC. His speed is tearing opponent defence and everyone cant stops praising him. He deserves all the praise, but a day like today's he has to be at his best. But, the fact is Mbappe is just 1/3 rd part of France full 3 men attacking line-up. Griezmann & Giroud are two other important aspects of France attack; they must not be ignored or taken as less important by any group of fans.

- France midfield is most synchronised midfield. All their first team midfielders Pogba, Kante, Matuidi & Tolisso moves in a coordinated way. Pogba has good long range passing & can even make the box to box run.

- France defends by closing the gaps in all the central areas. This will force Belgium to start attacks from wide areas. Thus by blocking central areas, France will look to fail Belgium in their build-up play & be pushing them to use crosses.

- The first thing which I would like to talk about Belgium is that they will miss Thomas Meunier due to suspension. He is really an important player in this Belgium squad and in his absence, Roberto Martinez will have to give serious thoughts on how his team will line-up.

- Belgium started with the 4-3-3 formation in the last match against Brazil. But now with Meunier out, I think they will switch back to the 3-4-3 formation with Yannick Ferreira Carrasco & Nacer Chadli playing at wing-backs position.

- Belgium defence has to deal with France speed of Kylian Mbappe & Greizmann. Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen & Vincent Kompany will have the task to fail France attack.

- Belgium midfield will have Fellaini & Witsel. Fellaini & Witsel will have the task of covering all the space left behind between wing-backs & centre-backs.

- If you have seen Thierry Henry play, you will know that he had the ability to move from wings to inside d-block & also the ability to create chances for his teammates. Lukaku was seen playing on the right-wing against Brazil, it is believed that he gave this piece of advice to Roberto Martinez & Lukaku. Lukaku is a very important player for Belgium and today Lukaku will look to continue his good form.

- France defence is a tough one to break. Umtiti, Varane, Pavard & Hernandez will put a real test against Belgium. If Belgium wants to reach the Final they have to overcome this test.

- Belgium weakness is their defence especially when the opponent has a high possession of the ball in the game. Belgium needs to win the ball back fast when they lose it. Belgium will look to avoid one on one situation with Kylian Mbappe & Griezmann.

- Even if France is able to push Belgium to attacks from the wing. Belgium has players to deliver good crosses and also strong & tall players to convert them. Belgium has Lukaku, Fellaini which are very good in the air.

- Conclusion: France to me look more balanced side. I don't see a specific weak link in France. Under the supervision of Didier Deschamps France has grown up a strong team. He took his team to Euro 2016 final and I see him taking France to another Final today. For Belgium to win, they will need to break the persistence of France defence. KDB & Eden Hazard should be set free to initiate attacks.

I think France & Belgium will play openly and will look to create chances from the first minute. The team that will score the first goal will cut loose the pressure on them. So, the first goal is very important for both the side.

FT prediction: France will defeat Belgium to become the first team to reach the WC final. FT score can be 2-1 or 3-2.

What do you guys think about this Epic clash? Who are you supporting tonight? Who according to you will emerge as a winner? Let me know down here.