FRANCE will be hoping the Nations League isn't a barometer for their World Cup defence as they head into this clash with Croatia sitting bottom of Group 1A.
Didier Deschamps' side underlined their credentials as top dogs in the last Nations League campaign, topping their group before seeing off Belgium and Spain in the finals to be crowned champions.
That triumph came just months after a disappointing early exit from the delayed Euro 2020 finals and it looked like France were ready to kick on again with Karim Benzema back in the fold and Kylian Mbappe flying.
But they have been a major disappointment in their latest Nations League group, despite being clear favourites up against Denmark, Austria and Croatia.
Just two points have been collected from their first three games and Deschamps needed a late Mbappe goal to avoid defeat last time out in Vienna, with Austria busting my Friday night coupon.
Now they face a Croatia side they drew 1-1 with away from home a week ago and it's a match the French need to win to stop some worrying results from turning into a full-scale slump.
The Croats head to Paris with their tails up after claiming a 1-0 win away to group leaders Denmark and have bounced back well from a 3-0 battering by Austria in their opener.
So the world champions will need to up their game if they are to see off Croatia and get back in the hunt for top place in Group 1A.
How the bookies view it
Despite their poor run of results, France remain heavy favourites for this one at a best 7/12 with SBK while Croatia are as big as 28/5 at the same firm. The draw pays 10/3 with SpreadEx.
Head to head
This is a repeat of the last World Cup Final which the French memorably won 4-2 in a classic (below). Croatia still haven't beaten France since gaining independence in the 1990s, losing six and drawing three of the nine meetings.
Players to watch
It's hard to predict who will start for both sides with the players having to cram three games in over the past week or so. But Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to set up Mbappe's leveller in midweek and could be handed a start here. The Leipzig star has been in tremendous form this season and is 2/1 at Betfred for anytime scorer. Bet365 also price him at 11/8 to have over 1.5 shots on target.
Andrej Kramaric scored Croatia's goal against France from the spot a week ago and could be their best bet again in the return if he starts. The Hoffenheim striker is 4/1 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
France have conceded in every group game so far and that makes BTTS tempting at 11/10 with William Hill. Their attack is also too good to keep misfiring so over 2.5 match goals also appeals at evens with William Hill.
We saw 10 corners when these sides faced off in Croatia last week, with six of them going to France. That makes the 11/10 on offer at Bet365 for over 5.5 French corners in Paris look good while the same firm price over 8.5 match corners at 5/6.
If Matteo Guendouzi starts in midfield for the French he's a good candidate for a card. The Arsenal loanee has picked up nine yellows for Marseille this term and is 9/2 for another card at Unibet.
This UEFA Nations League match between France and Croatia will be played on Jun 13, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best France vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
