France start the injury-stricken defence of their World Cup title with a match against Australia, a side that just managed to sneak through the qualifiers. Last Word on Football predicts the France lineup for the Group D match against Australia.
France Predicted Lineup vs Australia
How France Have Lined-up Recently
France have recently lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur in goal. A bank of three centre-backs protects their captain, with Rafael Varane, Benout Badashile and Jules Kounde taking the role in recent matches. Jonathan Clauss and Ferland Mendy play at wing-back.
The two midfielders play roles as both destroyers and creators, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Youssouf Fofana taking integral roles. Antoine Griezmann tends to play at number 10 behind two centre-forwards, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema when available.
France Recent Form and Tactics
Didier Deschamps’ side play in a relatively loose press, allowing the opposition to have the ball until they are in dangerous areas. This isn’t likely to be the case against Australia, as the Socceroos will look to play without the ball and hit on the counter.
Les Bleus are in an odd vein of form. France have only won one match in the past six months, which includes two losses against Denmark. The reigning world champions will look to regain their form if they want a result, especially given the side’s injuries.
France Injuries to Consider
The French selection is riddled with injuries. Having lost Karim Benzema shortly before the World Cup, Rafael Varane is also training apart from the squad with a niggle. Other players that missed the squad entirely include Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Mike Maignan, Presnel Kimpembe and Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku.
France Predicted Lineup
- Hugo Lloris
- Benjamin Pavard
- Rafael Varane
- Ibrahim Konate
- Jules Kounde
- Theo Hernandez
- Edouard Camavinga
- Aurelien Tchouameni
- Antoine Griezmann
- Olivier Giroud
- Kylian Mbappe
Current Odds: France vs Australia
France are favourites at 2/7, followed by the draw at 5/1. An Australia win comes in at 14/1.
Last Word on Football recognise Qatar’s human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout the nation and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
