France v Denmark predictions: Les Bleus can sail through to the last 16

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for France v Denmark in World Cup Group D on Saturday.

Where to watch

ITV, 4pm Saturday

Best bet

France
2pts 4-5 Betfred

France were playing with confidence by the end of their impressive 4-1 victory over Australia and their rising belief could be bad news for Denmark, who are unlikely to add to the point secured from a disappointing 0-0 draw with Tunisia.

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Match preview

Kylian Mbappe starred in France's 4-1 demolition of Australia and his outstanding quality could make the difference when Les Bleus take on Denmark in Doha.

As defending champions France have high expectations but their build up to the tournament could not have gone much worse with Karim Benzema joining an injury list already featuring N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Christopher Nkunku and Presnel Kimpembe.

The injury curse continued against Australia when left-back Lucas Hernandez suffered a tournament-ending knee injury during the build up to the Socceroos' ninth-minute goal.

Given the mounting absentee list and France's poor results in the Nations League, going a goal behind to Australia was a test of their character, but their response was superb.

They were ahead by half-time with goals from Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud.

And two further second-half goals from Giroud and Kylian Mbappe gave the scoreline a one-sided nature which was thoroughly merited.

Mbappe enjoyed himself and his razor-sharp performance sent out a warning to World Cup defences.

As a 19-year-old he was hugely influential in France's triumph at Russia 2018 but his game has improved a lot over the intervening years and, if he gets the right support from teammates, he has every chance of becoming a dual World Cup winner at the age of 23.

France showed a few defensive flaws against Australia due to their high press and it is an area they will be keen to tighten up.

Denmark should offer a sterner test and in Christian Eriksen they have the ideal man to exploit spaces in the French backline.

However, Eriksen had a frustrating start to the tournament as the Danes laboured to a 0-0 draw against Tunisia.

A glorious chance was missed when substitute striker Andreas Cornelius fluffed his lines from no more than two yards out, but there wasn't much else for Danish fans to get excited about with the shot count finishing 13 to 11 in Tunisia's favour.

Denmark lacked intensity and bite in the second half after midfielder Thomas Delaney was substituted due to a knee injury which has brought a premature end to his tournament.

Delaney's loss will make it tougher for Denmark to shield their backline, which could be exposed by France's high-quality attack.

France had been expected to miss Benzema but they impressed against Australia. Benzema's replacement Olivier Giroud gave them the balance they needed with his presence and aerial ability.

A lot has been made of France's injuries but their squad looks immensely strong and their depth of talent could see them go a long way.

Les Bleus have already scored more goals than in the entire group stage in 2018 and they look solid favourites to defeat the Danes and secure early progress to the knockout rounds.

Key stat

France have won ten of their last 13 games at World Cup finals

Team news

France
Lucas Hernandez has had to withdraw from the tournament. Raphael Varane may return and Kingsley Coman is a doubt.

Denmark
Thomas Delaney will miss the rest of the tournament.

Probable teams

France (4-2-3-1) Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Upamecano, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.

Denmark (3-5-2) Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjaer, Christensen; Kristensen, Hojbjerg, Norgaard, Eriksen, Maehle; Skov Olsen, Dolberg.

Inside info

France

Top scorer in probable team Olivier Giroud
Star player Kylian Mbappe
Penalty taker Antoine Griezmann
Assist ace Antoine Griezmann
Set-piece aerial threat Olivier Giroud
Card magnet Theo Hernandez

Denmark

Top scorer in probable team Christian Eriksen
Star player Christian Eriksen
Penalty taker Christian Eriksen
Assist ace Christian Eriksen
Set-piece aerial threat Simon Kjaer
Card magnet Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

France v Denmark Bet Builder

France to win France silenced a lot of their critics with their convincing 4-1 win over Australia and they can make it two wins from two.
Olivier Giroud to score anytime Giroud took his international tally to 51 with a double against Australia and he can deliver against the Danes.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to be carded The absence of injured midfielder Thomas Delaney's puts an even greater emphasis on Hojbjerg to break up French attacks and run the risk of a yellow card.

Price guide 10-1