Prediction: France vs Bulgaria

Prediction: France win

Best Odds: 1/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re now officially less than a week away from the start of the rescheduled UEFA Euro 2020 tournament and the excitement is really beginning to build. From fans hoping to get into the stadiums to those watching around the world, we’ve been waiting five years for another edition of the European Championship – and it’s almost upon us. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the last major warm-up games with France preparing to host Bulgaria.

France

France are the reigning world champions which, in itself, is enough of a reason to believe they’re the favourites for the Euros. The likes of Italy, England and Belgium may have something to say about that and before getting too carried away, we do have to recognise that their group contains Germany, Portugal and Hungary. Any other nation would be incredibly intimidated by that, but France have superstars coming out of their ears – so we think they’ll be just fine.

Team News

Tolisso is expected to miss out in favour of Kante coming in for this one with Giroud being tipped to make an appearance ahead of Benzema, with the latter likely starting in France’s first group stage game. Elsewhere, Hernandez and Pavard will probably play after being taken off at half time against Wales.

Bulgaria

The days of Bulgaria causing upsets on the international stage are long gone and at this stage, they’re just waiting for a handful of breakout youngsters to come through and really put the cat amongst the pigeons. Given their history, the last thing they want to do is just make up the numbers – but their issue right now is that they don’t have anyone who can really grab a game by the scruff of the neck. Perhaps in the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign, they’ll be able to find that missing element.

Team News

Malinov is injured after going off against Russia with Vitanov being lined up to replace him in the starting XI. Kraev and Iliev are both expected to make an appearance here with Turitsov being hopeful that he’ll feature.

Factors to Consider

• France will begin their Euros campaign on June 15, whereas Bulgaria didn’t qualify.
• France have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Bulgaria have drawn three and lost three of their last six games.
• France have scored 12 goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Bulgaria have scored two goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Bulgaria are likely going to fall into the category of “we may as well go for it”, even if it doesn’t end in a particularly successful venture. They aren’t going to have anything to play for here outside of making Les Bleus feel a bit uncomfortable, which is why injuries will be the biggest concern for the French. They’ll run out comfortable 2-0 winners before turning their attention to the start of the Euros, a tournament in which they’ll be one of the clear favourites.

Prediction: France win

Best Odds: 1/10

Bookmaker: 888sport