* Betting odds were correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.
France vs Ivory Coast: Free Betting Tips
France have already qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but will be looking to test themselves over the next few friendlies to ensure they are in the right position to challenge for the trophy later this year. Ivory Coast gave a decent account of themselves at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, eventually going out on penalties to the runners-up, Egypt.
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France to Win-to-Nil
France have won one and drawn one against Ivory Coast in the past but are yet to concede a single goal against the Elephants. The hosts head into this friendly on the back of five wins and a draw from their last six matches, with three clean sheets during that period. Ivory Coast have only managed to win three of their last six matches in all competitions and struggled to create chances against Egypt in their last match.
Kylian Mbappe to Score
Mbappe is likely to provide the focal point of France's attack on Friday with Benzema out injured and we're backing the PSG frontman to score against Ivory Coast. Mbappe has netted 24 goals in 53 caps for the French senior team and scored 5 times during the World Cup qualifiers and has 26 goals in 37 games for his club this season, so you can see why we're predicting a goal from this young superstar on Friday.
Everything you need to know ahead of France vs Ivory Coast
France backed to beat Les Elephants on Friday
France finished off qualifying away at Finland where despite the first-half ending goalless, the visitors secured all 3pts. Benzema broke the deadlock in the 66th-minute and 10-minutes later Mbappe got in on the action as France ran out 2-0 winners. With the talent that they have in their squad and coming through the ranks, France will be one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
France Predicted Lineup – Lloris, Digne, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez, Koundé, Pogba, Tchouaméni, Griezmann, Mbappé & Diaby
Ivory Coast made it through the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations but eventually bowed out on penalties against an Egypt side that would go on to finish the tournament as the runners-up. Gradel continues to play a key role for his county but Ivory Coast are yet to get the best out of striker Haller, who many of the French defenders will know well. Friday will be a tough test for the visitors but many of their players have or don play in France which could give them an advantage.
Ivory Coast Predicted Lineup – B. Sangaré, Aurier, Bailly, Deli, Konan, Gradel, Seri, Kessié, I. Sangaré, Haller & Pépé
Team News
France: Mandanda, Pavard, Zouma, Upamecano, Lemar, Tolisso, Sissoko, Benzema, Martial and Dembélé are all missing for the hosts.
Ivory Coast: Gbohouo, Kanon, Dié, Akpa Akpro, Maïga, Boli and Gervinho have not been selected for the visitors.
France vs Ivory Coast – Your Questions
- Who are the favourites to win? – France are the overwhelming favourites with the bookmakers.
- What was the score when these two teams last met? – France 0-0 Ivory Coast, 15/11/16.
- What time is kick-off? – 20:15 GMT, 21:15 CET.
