France will expect to continue their perfect run of form in Euro 2024 qualifying when they host minnows Gibraltar on Saturday evening.
Didier Deschamps’ side have already sealed their place as winners of Group B and boast the competition’s meanest defence so far, whereas the visitors sit rock bottom of the standings and are yet to score their first goal.
Here’s all you need to know about this David vs Goliath affair.
France vs Gibraltar H2H record
Current Form (Last Five Games)
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not televised |
United States | ViX |
Canada | DAZN Canada |
Centre-back Ibrahima Konate left camp early on through injury and he was later followed by Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who damaged his knee in training and is not expected to play again until 2024.
Expect some minutes for Paris Saint-Germain sensation Warren Zaire-Emery. The 17-year-old only made his Under-21 debut in September but is destined for a shot in the senior team soon.
France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Samba; Clauss, Saliba, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram
While Gibraltar’s squad boasts two players over 40 and several in their late 30s, it’s 23-year-old Wycombe striker Tjay De Barr who is generating the most excitement in his homeland.
Gibraltar predicted lineup (5-4-1): Coleing; Sergeant, R. Chipolina, Mouelhi, J. Chipolina, Olivero; Walker, Pozo, Badr, El Hmidi; De Barr
France won’t be fielding their strongest team and Deschamps will be handing out rests to those big names who do start, but Les Bleus should still romp to an emphatic victory here.
Gibraltar have put on a spirited show in qualification but the gulf in quality between the two sides is simply enormous. This is one of those games in which every shot on goal will be celebrated by the away fans, and rightfully so.
Expect plenty of goals for France, whose defensive record shouldn’t come under much pressure here.
