Prediction: Germany vs France

Verdict: France win

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

Two sides who endured very different levels of success at this summers World Cup, Didier Deschamp’s newly crowned World Champions will look to start where they left off when they travel to the Allianz Arena on Thursday. Up against a Germany side with their confidence at an all-time low, this will be an incredibly tough test for Joachim Löw’s side.

Germany

Starting with the hosts, although Germany traveled to Russia as the defending champions, Joachim Löw’s side were drastically short of form. Eventually finishing bottom of Group F, Germany’s problems were epitomized by their 2-0 loss to South Korea in their final outing. Only managing to pick up three points out of a possible nine, The Whites are enduring their most difficult period in recent memory. Along with witnessing an embarrassing World Cup campaign, Germany have also been worryingly short of form on home turf. Now losing four of their last six in all competitions, the hosts have now failed to win their last three matches at the Allianz Arena. A side desperate to get out of what is being labeled as a crisis, Löw will also be worried by his sides recent record against France. Failing to win any of their last three matches against The Blues, Germany have also shipped two goals in each of those matchups.

Team News

Leroy Sane has returned to the squad after surprisingly missing out on a place in Russia, although is unlikely to start after failing to impress in the Premier League season with Manchester City.

France

As for the visitors, while Germany might be a nation with their confidence at an all-time low, Didier Deschamp’s France side are coming off the back of a stellar summer. Beating Croatia 4-2 in the final, France lifted their first title in 20 years and the newly crowned World Champions have been in eye-catching form. Now winning their last four matches on the bounce and scoring 11 in that time, The Blues have now only lost one of their last 19 matches in all competitions, a run stemming back to June 2017. One man to watch for France was this summers Young Player of the Tournament and PSG talisman Kylian Mbappe. Scoring four time at the finals, the 19-year-old has also started his domestic campaign in impressive form. Mbappe now has four goals in his opening three Ligue 1 matchups. Along with going unbeaten at the World Cup, it will be The Blues’ record away from Paris that is impressive Deschamp. France have now only lost one match away from home in 90 minutes since a 2-0 loss to England back in November 2015.

Team News

After picking up an injury with Tottenham, captain Hugo Lloris has withdrawn from the squad. Alphonse Areola should make his international debut in goal, while Benjamin Mendy is pushing for a starting spot after starting the season in impressive form.

Key Factors to Consider

• France have only lost one of their last 19 matches in all competitions.
• Germany have now failed to win their last three matches at the Alianz Arena (D2, L1).
• Kylian Mbappe now has eight goals in his last eight matches in all competitions.
• Germany have won just 2 of their last 9 internationals, losing 4.
• France have scored two goals in each of their last three meetings against Germany.

Conclusion

With the chance to make a statement in their opening National League matchup, Didier Deschamp’s side will travel to Munich filled with confidence. Even without captain Hugo Lloris, the gulf in recent form between the two sides could lead to another tough nights work for Joachim Löw’s Germany. Given their recent struggles at the Allianz Arena, coupled with their recent record against the newly crowned World Champions, we’re backing France to come away with three points on Thursday night.

Verdict: France win

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: Bet365