FRANCE haven't been firing on all cylinders so far at Euro 2024 and it will be interesting to see if boss Didier Deschamps takes a risk on Kylian Mbappe for their final Group D clash with Poland.
The superstar striker sat out the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands after breaking his nose in the victory over Austria but Les Bleus looked a far less threatening side without him.
That point pretty much guaranteed a place in the last 16 for both sides but Deschamps will want to top the section ahead of the Dutch and will need his side to score a few goals against the Poles.
Poland can't reach the knockout stages after losing 3-1 to Austria, a match which saw both my recommended bets land, so they only have pride to play for.
Star man Robert Lewandowski made his return from injury off the bench against the Austrians but it was a case of too little, too late as the Poles were outclassed on the day.
So this should be a comfortable win for the French, with or without Mbappe, and Deschamps will be looking for other stars in his squad to step up.
How the bookies view it: Demoralised Poles written off
With Poland already eliminated and having nothing to play for, it's no surprise to see them as Betfred's 9/1 outsiders. France are tiny at 2/7 while the draw pays 5/1.
Head to head: French on a roll since 1982
France have dominated this fixture in the last four decades, going eight games without defeat since a 4-0 battering back in 1982. Four of those games have been victories for Les Blues, including a 3-1 triumph when these sides last met at the 2020 World Cup.
Last five H2H duels:
- 04/12/2022 (World Cup) – France 3-1 Poland
- 09/06/2011 (International Friendly) – Poland 0-1 France
- 17/11/2004 (International Friendly) – France 0-0 Poland
- 23/02/2000 (International Friendly) – France 1-0 Poland
- 16/08/1995 (EURO Qualifiers) – France 1-1 Poland
Players to watch: Griez is the word
Deschamps might be tempted to make a few changes but Antoine Griezmann should start again as nobody else is really suited for that link role between midfield and attack.
The bookies blundered by making him evens for a shot at goal against the Dutch, with Slip Tips one of many who cashed in, so I'd imagine that price will be shorter when the market is priced up for this one. Only scorer prices are available just now and the Atletico Madrid man is 6/4 to get off the mark.
Winger Nicola Zalewski was Poland's most dangerous player in their loss to Austria and is a whopping 12/1 to score. An assist is probably more likely once that market is priced up.
Probable line-ups
Both managers should make a few changes for this one. I'd imagine Mbappe will probably start on the bench for France again while Polish boss Michal Probierz could give game time to some players who haven't featured yet.
France: Maignan, Upamecano, Pavard, Saliba, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Dembele, Camavinga, Zaire-Emery, Griezmann, Giroud
Poland: Szczesny, Salamon, Puchaz, Kiwior, Moder, Zielinski, Grosicki, Romanczuk, Zalewski, Slisz, Swiderski, Lewandowski.
Anything else catch the eye?
France haven't been scoring freely at these finals but it has been down to bad finishing rather than a lack of chances. Poland have conceded five goals already and could have shipped even more so this could be the game where things click for Les Blues.
Backing Deschamps' side to score in both halves pays 9/10 while the odds increase to 13/8 if you bet on them to win both halves.
France have yet to concede a goal at Euro 2024 so going for a win to nil also stands a good chance at evens.
This Euro 2024 match between France and Poland will be played on Jun 25, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best France vs Poland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
