France must navigate through a friendly showdown this week in their buildup to their next matches. The side will play a friendly host to Finland before proceeding to take on Portugal and Sweden. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Stade de France with kickoff at 11:10 pm.
The World Cup champions have significant battles ahead of the Wednesday showdown with two crucial matches after the United Nations League. Finland also has competitive games in mind while attempting to pip Wales in Group B4 to promote League A.
A Nations League group that includes both a World Cup winner and a European Championship winner brings nothing but pure competition. Both France and Portugal have earned 10 points from their last 12 matches.
However, Didier Deschamp’s sits below their rivals in their group, separated by a goal difference heading into the final round of the group’s matches. The winner of the match this weekend will progress to the finals. Portugal is also preparing a pivotal encounter with Andorra this midweek.
Deschamps expects to name a different starting lineup ahead of their clash this weekend. However, we expect to see some start-studded names make the lineup before their crucial encounter this weekend. The position of Finland in Group B4 is tricky with any risks that could see the side falling from a spot in the finals.
France vs. Finland Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with France picking all wins while Finland without any win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Croatia 1-2 France
France 0-0 Portugal
France 7-1 Ukraine
Sweden 0-1 France
Albania 0-2 France
Away
Finland 1-0 Ireland
Finland 2-0 Bulgaria
Poland 5-1 Finland
Ireland 0-1 Finland
Finland 0-1 Wales
France Team News
Mbappe was included in the French squad despite his injury woes leaving Thomas Tuchel to scratch his head. Nabil Fekir was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking a hamstring injury. It could see Lyon’s Houssam Aouar replace the Real Betis playmaker in the November fixtures. The first call-ups at the camp include Thuram and Kurt Zouma.
Finland Team News
Finland will be looking to give several fresh talents at the start ahead of the clash. It could see Marcus Forss earn his first cap alongside young sensation Onni Valakari. Frederick Jensen made the difference last time with goals against Bulgaria but will miss due to ankle injuries.
Prediction and Odds
Both sides will not put out their full squad strength; hence we expect a low encounter friendly this Wednesday.
France Win
Goals Under 2.5
Home: No Score
