THIERRY Henry's French Olympics football team will play their first match of the tournament on Wednesday, 24 July when they take on the USA in Marseille.
For both teams, the Olympics comes at the perfect time given neither nation performed as expected at their respective international tournaments this summer.
France were knocked out of Euro 2024 at the semi-final stage while the USA failed to get out of their group at the Copa America.
Although the squads and management teams are largely different across the board, the Olympics provides the perfect opportunity for an immediate response. Ahead of kick-off at the Stade Velodrome, here is our France vs USA prediction.
How the bookies view it: The hosts come in as favourites
As tournament hosts, it shouldn't come as a huge shock to learn that France are not only the favourites to beat the USA in their opening match but also the favourites to win the entire thing. On Wednesday night, Les Bleus have been priced at 4/11 with Betfred to win the match while the USA are considered big underdogs at 6/1. The draw can be had at 7/2.
Recent head-to-head: Ominous signs for USA
USA and France have played each other on four previous occasions with the Europeans boasting an unbeaten record over their rivals. The most recent clash came in 2018 when the USA managed to earn their first-ever draw against France in a friendly match in Lyon. A late Kylian Mbappe equaliser denied them the victory so they will be glad that they don't have to worry about the forward this time around.
Players to watch: Palace man to pick up where he left off
There are plenty of big names in the French squad but the man who should be considered their biggest threat at the Olympics is Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Crystal Palace striker finished the Premier League season in red-hot form, scoring 13 goals in his final 14 appearances of the campaign.
When you consider how badly France struggled for goals at Euro 2024, it's perplexing as to why the 27-year-old wasn't selected in the squad but an impressive showing at the Olympics should earn him a call-up to the full squad in the coming months.
The USA haven't picked as strong a squad as they could have done, perhaps as they were expecting to perform much better at the Copa America. One man who France will need to keep an eye on is Paxten Aaronson who comes into the tournament on the back of a good loan spell with Vitesse.
Predicted line-ups
Thierry Henry will be forced to play a system that includes two strikers given he has Mateta and Lacazette available to him. The USA will likely try and combat France's attacking threat by deploying a back five.
France: Restes – Sildillia, Lukeba, Bade, Truffert – Kone, Millot, Chotard – Olise – Mateta, Lacazette
USA: Schulte – Harriel, Zimmerman, Robinson, Wiley, McGlynn – Tessmann; Booth, Aaronson, Paredes – McGuire
Anything else catch the eye?
The French Olympic squad have played three warm-up matches this month to prepare for the tournament and to say they play differently to the main French squad would be an understatement. Across the three matches, a total of 14 goals have been scored – an average of nearly five goals a match. Over 3.5 goals is priced at 13/8 with Betfred.
This Olympics match between France and USA will be played on Jul 24, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best France vs USA prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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