Best Odds: 9/4
Bookmaker:
Simply looking to extend on their EURO 24 qualifying romp on Saturday night, France will welcome Gibraltar to the Allianz Riviera.
France
Starting with the hosts, while France might have suffered major World Cup final heartbreak at the hands of Argentina over the winter, Les Bleus haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Enjoying what has been a stellar UEOR 24 qualifying romp this year, Didier Deschamps’ men have cruised their way to Germany with plenty of time to spare. Really firing on all cylinders and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the European giants have won each of their six Group B appearances. Last seen signing off October’s international break with a 4-1 romp at home against Scotland, France have also continued to shine with their rugged defensive performances. Shipping just a single strike in their six qualifying showdowns this year, Deschamps’ superstar squad are simply looking to keep up their recent purple patch this weekend.
Team News
Already notching 13 strikes in his first 11 Ligue 1 appearances this season, the record-breaking Kylian Mbappe will spearhead France’s charge on Saturday night. Really bursting onto the scene with French giants PSG, 17-year-old sensation Warren Zaire-Emery looks set to earn a first senior cap in Nice.
However, dealing with recent injury issues, France will be without the duo of Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard and Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni here. Aston Villa midfield Boubacar Kamara has been included in Deschamps’ squad.
Gibraltar
As for the visitors, last seen signing off October’s international break with another nightmare display as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming at home against Ireland, Gibraltar have continued on another qualifying struggle this year. Yet to put a single Group B point on the board and really limping their way over the finish line, Los Lianis will be more than aware that they face another monumental challenge here. Suffering a routine 3-0 loss when they welcomed France to the Esatdio Algarve back on June 16th, Julio Ribas’ side have continued to gain a reputation for their rather glaring defensive struggle. Including a woeful 5-0 drumming at the hands of Greece back on September 10th, Gibraltar have shipped 21 strikes in their six Group B contests this year. It should also be highlighted, Saturday’s guests have lost each of their previous 12 straight appearances on foreign soil.
Team News
While Tjay De Barr might still be waiting to open his League One account with Wycombe this season, the 23-year-old will spearhead Gibraltar’s charge at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday night. However, Dundalk defender Louie Annesley has been omitted from Ribas’ squad and will not feature over the next fortnight.
Plying his trade with Spanish outfit Cadiz, 18-year-old Nicholas Pozo looks set to earn a 10th international cap this weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
