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A new era begins for the France national team as Zinedine Zidane takes charge of his first game against Turkey at the Kocaeli Stadyumu in League A of the Nations League on Friday night.
The French legend steps back into management for the first time in five years, in a quest to win the Nations League with Les Bleus and beyond.
Turkey will not be easy opponents though and boast plenty of talent themselves under Vincenzo Montella.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Turkey vs. France key stats
- Turkey lost two of three World Cup games this summer (W1).
- France have won four of their last five Nations League group matches (D1).
- France have won four of six previous H2Hs (D1, L1).
Turkey vs. France preview:
Turkey vs France — Tale of the Tape
| Turkey | vs | France |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 2nd |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 4th (H) | Home / Away Rank | 2nd (A) |
Turkey come into the Nations League after disappointing in the World Cup, where they crashed out at the group stage.
More was expected from the 27th-ranked nation in the world, especially in the group they were drawn in.
Still, the Turks must put that behind them now and focus on their Nations League group, where they are the lowest-ranked nation.
Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz are the most notable omissions from the squad, but players like Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu are still capable of hurting France.
Zidane has gone for a new-look squad, with regulars like William Saliba missing out through injury.
France won the Nations League in 2021, and will be one of the favourites to do so again, but world champions Spain will likely be their biggest test should they make it past the group.
Les Bleus were humbled 2-0 by La Roja in the World Cup semi-finals this summer, despite going in as favourites.
Having won 11 trophies in club management, Zidane's aim is to bring silverware back to his home country.
Turkey vs. France form guide & betting tips
| Turkey | vs | France |
|---|---|---|
WWLLW |
Form | WWWLL |
| 9 | Goals For | 10 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 8 |
| Nations League |
Whispers predicts: Turkey 0-2 France
France are 10/21 (1.48) favourites, but while we agree with the bookies, we want to explore other bets.
France to win (-1 handicap) at 6/5 (2.20) could reflect the 23 places between the nations in the FIFA World Rankings, while BTTS – No at 13/10 (2.30) has come through in five of Turkey's last seven games.
After winning the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, Kylian Mbappe to score anytime at 4/6 (1.67) is a safer pick.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-0 France victory, which is available at 8/1 (9.00).
> Mbappe to score anytime at 1.67 | Likelihood: High
> France to win (-1 handicap) at 2.20 | Likelihood: Medium
> BTTS – No at 2.30 | Likelihood: Medium