France   -   Australia

France v Australia Match Preview and Prediction

The second match of the World Cup 2022 Group D will feature a highly anticipated game between the reigning champions France and Australia. The match is scheduled for November 22 at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al wakrah, Qatar. It is expected to kick off at 7 pm UK time.

France - Form and Team News

Given France’s strong squad and being the current World Cup Champions, they are the obvious favourites to win this match. Les Bleus will present an outstanding front three of Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann. Other players in top form include William Saliba, Ousmane Dembele, Benjamin Mendy, Nabil Fekir, Olivier Giroud, Aurelien Tchouameni, Samuel Umtiti and Jules Koundé, Didier Deschamps’ squad has registered wins, losses and draws in all the matches and friendlies leading up to the World Cup, although they could have performed better. 

Although the team is missing some key players such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Presnel Kimpembe due to injuries, they are still among the top contenders for the World Cup championship in 2022.

Australia - Form and Team News

Australia are the underdogs going into the match against France, despite thrashing their opponents in the warm friendlies leading to the World Cup. The Socceroos squad is less elite than their opponents, but Harry Souttar and Mitchell Duke are some of the top talents to watch. These two are Australia’s lethal forwards who garnered 11 goals for Australia in the World Cup Qualification matches. Jackson Irvine is also a top-rated Australian player expected to give France a hard time when the Group D first match kicks off in Qatar. Given their recent form and performance in friendlies, Graham Arnold’s troops will be guns blazing and confident when they face their opponents in their opening match of the World Cup 2022.

Match Analysis

The defending World Cup champions last met Australia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup match, which ended in a 2-1 win to France. Before that, the teams met in 2013, with France dominating in a 6-0 win against Australia. The upcoming Group D opening game is quite anticipated as both squads have been in excellent form in their friendlies and matches leading to the World Cup. Even though France is still the favourite to win, Australia will put up a spirited fight before conceding any goals.

France’s forward squad is undoubtedly an outstanding display of talent with players such as Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe. However, Australia also boasts capable forwards such as Harry Souttar and Mitchell Duke. The match will also be interesting to watch as both teams have not interacted in a long time.

France v Australia Predicted Lineups

Les Bleus has several injured players, but their team is still top-notch, with some of the top talents across the world's five top football leagues. The leading contender for goalkeeping is Hugo Lloris, while the defence is likely to be held down by Varane, Koundé and Lucas Hernandez. Didier Deschamps may choose to place Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Pavard and Theo Hernandez in midfield and Mbappe, Giroud and Griezmann as the undisputed forwards, due to the withdrawal of Benzema.

France Strongest XI:

Lloris, Kounde, Varane and L. Hernandez, Pavard, Tchouameni, Camavinga and T. Hernandez, Griezmann, Giroud and Mbappe

Australia’s Graham Arnold is yet to name his squad, but there are a few predictions depending on the players’ experience and quality. The Socceroos predicted lineup is as follows:

Australia Predicted Lineup: 

Matt Ryan, Ryan Atkinson, Trent Sainsbury, Harry Souttar, Jackson Irvine, Martin Boyle, Jamie Maclaren, Mitchell Duke, Ajdin Hrustic, Aaron Mooy and Mathew Leckie

Players to Watch - Who Is the Match Winner in the Teams?

Kylian Mbappe is the top option for the match winner during the France versus Australia match. He is one of the top-rated players in the world currently after 300 club appearances, 220 goals and 110 assists. Mbappe has earned numerous trophies in his career, and he is expected to perform well during Qatar's 2022 FIFA World Cup. Mbappe is the favourite for France's top scorer, and his best odds are likely to be 9/1 or 8/1.

Jamie Maclaren is the player to watch in the Australian squad. He is the current A-League Golden Boot holder and the top scorer in the ongoing season. Maclaren is expected to display prowess when his team faces France during the upcoming World Cup. Jamie Maclaren's odds of becoming the top scorer and securing three points against France stand at 19/1.

France v Australia Match Prediction

France may fail to win by a considerable margin, but they are the favourites to win the upcoming Group D opening match against Australia. Previously, the teams met in the FIFA 2018 World Cup, and the game ended in a 2-1 win for France. The betting predictions for France to win are 1.25 and 11.00 for Australia to thrash Les Blues.

The value of bets on France to win is relatively low, and punters can focus on other predictions, such as goals. The correct score is one of the betting tips whereby punters can predict Australia vs France game to end 2-0 in favour of France at a betting odds of 6.00.

The under/over predictions are also betting tips options and can be as follows:

France vs Australia Betting Tips: Over 2.5 with odds of 1.67.