Key Player Absences in International Football: Betting Tips for France, Belgium, Germany, and Brazil

In international football, the absence of key players like Kylian Mbappé, Kevin De Bruyne, and Vinicius Jr can significantly impact a team’s dynamics and alter expectations. For punters, these changes introduce variables that are often overlooked but provide excellent opportunities in betting markets.

As top teams such as Belgium, France, Germany, and Brazil head into crucial fixtures without their star players, understanding how this reshapes their tactics and odds is essential for those looking to make informed bets.

Belgium: A New Era Without De Bruyne and Lukaku

Belgium faces a pivotal moment, with star players Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne out of action. Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time top goalscorer, and De Bruyne, the team’s creative mastermind, have been vital to their success. Their absence creates a huge gap, leaving Belgium’s new generation to step up.

Young talents like Malick Fofana, Cyril Ngonge, and Matte Smets are expected to carry the team through their upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and France. This situation opens up opportunities for bettors, as bookmakers may increase the odds for a Belgian win. Strategic bets on Asian Handicaps or low-scoring outcomes could be profitable, considering Belgium’s lack of firepower.

Belgium will need to rely on collective teamwork to maintain their seeding in World Cup qualifiers, with emerging talents potentially being game-changers.

France: Testing Depth Without Mbappé and Griezmann

France will be without the influence of Kylian Mbappé and newly-retired Antoine Griezmann, forcing them to rely on their squad depth. Michael Olise, who has impressed in the Bundesliga, will aim to fill the creative void left by these two stars. However, replicating the synergy that Mbappé and Griezmann brought to the team may prove difficult.

The absence of these attacking threats opens up potential for betting on under markets, with fewer goals expected. If Olise continues his excellent form, there could also be value in betting on him to have a significant contribution in France’s upcoming fixtures.

Germany: Coping with Injuries to Key Players

Germany faces an uphill battle with several injuries, including Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann is forced to experiment, calling up players like Jonathan Burkardt and Kevin Schade. This scenario creates unpredictability in the betting market, with higher odds on Germany conceding or struggling against sides like Bosnia and the Netherlands.

Punters might look at handicap markets or consider bets on low-scoring matches as Nagelsmann consolidates his squad.

Brazil: Adjusting Without Vinicius Jr

Brazil heads into World Cup qualifiers without Vinicius Jr and Éder Militão. Coach Dorival Junior will have to reshuffle his side, bringing in Fulham’s Andreas Pereira to inject some creativity. Without their usual attacking flair, Brazil may adopt a more defensive strategy, focusing on securing points rather than showcasing their typical attacking style.

For bettors, this suggests opportunities in markets for narrower scorelines or alternative goal scorers like Gabriel Martinelli, who has been in good form for both Brazil and Arsenal recently.

In the absence of key players, teams are forced to adapt, and these tactical shifts offer punters the chance to capitalise on betting markets that may not fully reflect the impact of these changes.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.