Prediction: France vs Iceland

Prediction: France win

Best Odds: 1/6

Bookmaker: bet365

International football has taken over in the last few days, with the domestic game taking a back seat as a result. The main reason for that is because the road to UEFA Euro 2020 has begun. Many nations across the continent will harbour realistic goals of reaching the tournament itself, but as we all know, this game doesn’t work based on who is ‘expected’ to win and who isn’t. That’s why, despite what you may think, fans shouldn’t write off France vs Iceland as a foregone conclusion just yet.

France

It’s been one hell of a year for the French national team, as they were able to cruise towards World Cup glory in Russia last summer. They saw off the challenge of many top teams along the way, with the 4-2 triumph over Croatia in the final capping off a memorable run. Now, though, as Paul Pogba said best, it’s time to forget about that and look ahead to the future. The expectation will be for them to win the European Championships, but it’ll take a lot of hard work in order to accomplish that goal.

Team News

Lucas Digne has joined Anthony Martial in withdrawing from the squad, which could open the door for Kurzawa to start. Aside from that, no changes are expected to be made.

Iceland

Just a few short years ago, Iceland were everyone’s favourite second team. They managed to put together a series of fantastic performances in Euro 2016, which took them all the way to the quarter finals of the tournament. Since then they were able to qualify for the World Cup last summer, and whilst they may not have got out of the group, they still put up a decent fight. A lot of people will be quick to write them off, but we should all know better than that by now.

Team News

Bjorn Sigurdarson has withdrawn from the squad due to injury, with Aaron Gunnarsson being a doubt due to a knee injury he recently sustained.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Stade De France.
• France have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Iceland have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• France have scored 11 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Iceland have scored seven goals and conceded 11 their last six games.

Conclusion

It can sometimes be difficult to keep the momentum going after a big tournament win, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impossible. Les Bleus are the best team in international football right now, and against Iceland, we feel as if things could get a little bit ugly. It’s not like the visitors are completely useless or anything like that, but there are levels to this game. The French will go ahead early on and add a few to their total before the end of the 90 minutes, humbling Iceland in the process.

Prediction: France win

Best Odds: 1/6

Bookmaker: bet365