Euro 2016 finalists France host Wales in Saint-Denis this week, with Didier Deschamps’ men looking to pick up where they left off from their World Cup qualifying campaign. However, with the visitors undoubtedly still reeling from their inability to make it through to next year’s Finals, Chris Coleman’s men will be looking to record a surprise victory.
International Friendly – Stade de France, Saint-Denis – Friday 10th November – 20:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 19/5 at Skybet |
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France
WalesMatch Preview
France take on Wales on Friday evening in a friendly fixture, with a whole host of talented players based around Europe set to line-up for their respective nation. With both nations having made it through to the semi-finals of last year’s European Championships, it could well be a tight affair at the Stade de France. Despite this, it is the home side who are the firm favourite for victory, with a flurry of bets expected from now until kick-off. Be sure to check out our top betting tip below, but let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with France.
France Team News & Form
France made it safely through to the World Cup Finals thanks to seven wins from their qualifying matches, as well as losing just once. Their last success came against Belarus on the final day of the campaign, with Le Bleus having conceded just six goals from their ten matches. Manager Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches to select from, with the likes of Antoine Griezmann, N’Golo Kante and Raphael Varane expected to start against the Welsh. Meanwhile, having earned a recall to the squad, Manchester United man Anthony Martial could well earn a 16th cap, while Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi is in line for his international debut.
Wales Team News & Form
Wales are still without Real Madrid star Gareth Bale through injury, with midfielder Johnny Williams having also recently withdrawn from the squad. Manager Coleman is likely to name a strong team for this match, despite six players potentially making their debuts. Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, striker Sam Vokes and Tottenham Hotspurs’ Ben Davies are among the most talented members of their playing squad, with the trio all supremely experienced at this level. Wales lost out to the Republic of Ireland in their crucial final World Cup qualifying fixture last time out, with Coleman still undecided as to whether to sign a new contract with Wales.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just four times in the past, with all of their encounters coming in friendly matches. France have won two of these fixtures, as well as registering one way back in 1933. The last meeting between the two nations came back in 1982, when Wales won 1-0 in France. However, with the two teams having not met for a significant period of time, little can be concluded from such matches.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their form throughout qualifying and their status as the home team this week, it perhaps comes as little surprise that it is France who are the favourites for victory with the bookmakers. France can be backed at best odds of 6/17 with Unibet, while Wales are offered longer odds with the same bookmaker, at 10/1.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on France to beat Wales and both teams not to score, which can be found at best odds of 10/11 with Ladbrokes.