Prediction: Iceland vs France

Prediction: France win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The European Championship qualifiers often throw up a few entertaining encounters for us to enjoy during the international break, and the October offering is no different. Nations from around the continent will continue their push for a place in next year’s Euro 2020 tournament, and with only 24 places up for grabs, it’s going to be an interesting race to the finish line. The game we’ll be taking a look at today marks a rematch from the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 between France and Iceland.

Iceland

Iceland have positioned themselves as the ultimate underdogs in world football after putting in a great shift at Euro 2016 before qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Now, though, the question is whether or not they’ll be able to sustain that momentum as we look towards next year’s tournament. They’re still in the midst of their golden generation in the eyes of many, but whether or not they can put forward a serious challenge for the title itself is a different matter altogether.

Team News

Gunnarsson was forced to withdraw through injury, with Magnusson being unlikely to recover from an ankle issue in time for the game. Sigurjonsson and Hallfredsson will battle it out for a place in the middle of the park.

France

France are the reigning world champions and while some are questioning their ability to win the European Championships as well, they aren’t going to care one bit about that right now. They have the ability to step their surge up a gear whenever they see fit, which is an incredibly powerful tool to have. They possess the kind of strength in depth within their squad that would make most of us weep, and it’ll be fascinating to see whether or not they can rediscover that killer instinct against one of the better teams in their group.

Team News

Areola will come in for Lloris following his dislocated elbow injury, with Dubois and Mbappe withdrawing from the squad. Kante is set to return to the starting XI.

Factors to Consider

• France have never lost to Iceland in 14 meetings, with their last encounter ending 4-0 to France in March.
• Iceland have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• France have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Iceland have scored 10 goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• France have scored 17 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

Iceland always tend to give France a pretty good game, even when it seems as if they’re being utterly blown out of the water. In this instance, though, we think they’re going to be a little bit more conservative than usual. They know that a positive result here keeps them in the hunt for the top two, regardless of how Turkey get on. Alas, even though they’ll be stronger defensively, we can still see Les Bleus edging their way towards another win – although it’s still going to be a narrow one.

Prediction: France win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365