FRANCE will continue their football journey at the 2024 Olympics when they take on Guinea in a crunch Group A fixture on Saturday night.
The tournament hosts got off to the perfect start on Wednesday, defeating USA 3-0 in a performance that has cemented their status as favourites for the Gold Medal.
Guinea, meanwhile, succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in their opening match against New Zealand so it is imperative for them that they bounce back here and get something from the game.
How the bookies view it: France are the heavy favourites
Even before their impressive display against the USA, France would have been priced as the heavy favourites for his one but that win has only made the bookies more confident of a French victory. Thierry Henry's men have been priced at 2/9 to get the three points with Betfred while a win for Guinea has been priced at 10/1. The draw could be seen as good value at 4/1.
Recent head-to-head: A first-ever meeting
This is the first time that France and Guinea have played each other on a football pitch which isn't all that surprising given that Guinea have never qualified for the World Cup.
The last time the French national team faced a team from Africa was in the 2022 World Cup when they defeated Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals. Guinea's last match against European opposition was a friendly against Kosovo in 2021.
Players to watch: All aboard the Olise hype train
Michael Olise a man in demand earlier in the summer, with several top clubs chasing his signature. In the end, the exciting 22-year-old signed for Bayern Munich and now has a season in the Bundesliga playing alongside Harry Kane, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala to look forward to.
Olise showed exactly why he was so sought after in France's opening match against the USA. He provided the assist for Lacazette's opener before scoring a wonderful goal with his left shortly after. In a talented squad, he is the one who provides France with the X Factor.
Anderlecht's Amadou Diawara is one of Guinea's three overage players in the Olympic squad. He got on the scoresheet in the loss against New Zealand and it will be up to him to rally the troops ahead of this must-not-lose fixture.
Predicted line-ups
Thierry Henry won't feel the need to change much after his side won so convincingly in their opening match which means we could see France line up with the same starting XI. Guinea are expected to make a few changes, particularly at the back after a lapse defensive display against New Zealand.
France: Restes – Sildillia, Bade, Lukeba, Truffert – Chotard, Kone – Milot, Lacazette, Olise – Mateta
Guinea: Sylla – Cisse, Diawara, Oulare, Keita – Keita, Toure – Balde, Camara, Diallo – Bah
Anything else catch the eye?
Both of these teams' opening matches saw three goals go in and this French side is certainly more attacking than the French team that lined up at Euro 2024. Perhaps Didier Deschamps should be looking over his shoulder at Thierry Henery or at the very least, learning a thing or two. Over 2.5 goals to be scored is priced at 4/6 with Betfred.
This Olympics match between France and Guinea will be played on Jul 27, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best France vs Guinea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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