Verdict: France/France
Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
EURO 2016 hosts take on Scotland in what will be their final warm-up match before the European Championship finals kick off. Les Bleus are highly motivated to end their preparation period on a high and there is no doubt that they will be considered firm favourites to win this one.
France
French football fans are not trying to conceal their excitement regarding the summer’s event which has seen their team rise above the rest as standout favourites to win the European Championship. France boast a fantastic squad and are bursting with talent and motivation ahead of the Euro 2016 that will be played on their home soil. Seven wins on the trot are enough of a confirmation of France’s hot form, while 10 goals across their last three matches are there to validate the thrilling and entertaining brand of football from Didier Deschamp’s men. Their last match against Cameroon was an exciting affair which ended in a 3-2 victory that was achieved thanks to a moment of brilliance from West Ham’s main man Dimitri Payet. Hammer’s star scored a stunning last-minute free-kick which would have been a huge morale boost for the team ahead of their final test. France begin their Euro 2016 campaign with a game against Romania on June 10.
Team News
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann is returning to squad after the Champions League final, while Manchester United starlet Anthony Martial has regained his fitness following a thigh issue.
Morgan Schneiderlin was initially cut from the provisional list but Man Utd midfielder has been recalled to the squad to replace the injured Lassana Diarra.
Scotland
Gordan Strachan’s men will be watching the EURO 2016 from the comfort of their home as they failed to qualify for the final showpiece. Still, Scotland will be highly motivated to go out and try to put a dent in hosts’ red-hot form ahead of the European Championship. Strachan’s team is also keen to make amends for the loss against Italy, and get back to winning ways following the end of their three-match winning run. Scots have been looking pretty sharp defensively as they managed to keep clean sheets in three of their last 5 games. Scotland will be hoping to repeat the feat from Euro 2008 qualification when James McFadden’s famous wondergoal won the game at France in September 2007. What is more, Scotland do have an upper hand heading into the game in Metz as they have won eight on the total 15 matches against France so far. Strachan will be hoping his experienced striker Steven Fletcher, who was a member of the team from that famous 2007 win, will keep his scoring form. Sunderland man who spent the last season on loan at Marseille has scored three of Scotland’s last five away goals and he will be the one to watch.
Team News
Shaun Maloney, Robert Snodgrass and Andrew Robertson have all missed the Italy match due to English Championship play-off final, but are now back in squad and will be competing for their place in the team.
Christophe Berra and Barry Bannan both miss out the Saturday’s game against France.
Key Factors to Consider
- Scotland won 8 matches against France including the last 2 meetings
- France scored 10 goals in their last three matches
- Les Bleus are undefeated at home soil in last five fixtures
- Strachan’s men have won only two of their last 7 matches on the road
- Scotland’s loss to Italy ended a run of three consecutive clean sheets
Conclusion
Scotland arrive to France without any competitive pressure which will make them a pretty dangerous rival for the Euro 2016 hosts. France are getting ready for the finals and will be keen to win their final warm-up game. Les Bleus are firm favourites for the entire tournament and there is no doubt that they will be looking to uphold their reputation against Scotland on Saturday.
Verdict: France/France
Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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