Tunisia v France predictions: Mbappe could bolster Golden Boot claims

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

Where to watch

BBC One, 3pm Wednesday

Best bet

Kylian Mbappe to score at any time
1pt 6-5 bet365

France boss Didier Deschamps is expected to ring the changes with a last-16 berth in the bag but it has been reported that Kylian Mbappe is not one of those set for a rest. The Les Bleus superstar has already netted three times in two games in Qatar, taking his World Cup tally to seven goals in nine appearances.

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Match preview

Reigning world champions France have made a perfect start to their trophy defence and will be hoping to advance from Group D with their 100 per cent record intact.

Les Bleus have rallied impressively after Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and midfield maestros Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were ruled out of the tournament before a ball was kicked in anger, and they have looked in ominous form during wins over Australia and Denmark.

Trailing inside nine minutes in their Qatar curtain-raiser against Australia, France didn’t take long to hit back and were convincing 4-1 winners in a game where they could have happily scored more.

InfoGol had them posting the highest expected-goals figure of the tournament so far with 4.59 against the Socceroos and Les Bleus were also deserved 2-1 victors over Denmark, winning the xG battle 2.95-0.84.

With their progress to the knockouts already assured, Didier Deschamps is expected to ring the changes with French newspaper L'Equipe reporting he could make up to seven against Tunisia.

Kingsley Coman and Marcus Thuram are in line to replace Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele in the forward line, but Golden Boot-chasing Kylian Mbappe is fancied to retain his place.

And if France's golden boy does start then Tunisia could be exploited on the break in a game they must try and win.

Mbappe has already scored three goals in Qatar, taking his World Cup tally to seven from just nine appearances, and he has had 13 shots across the opening two rounds of fixtures.

At odds-against, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar looks a value play to continue his golden run in front of goal.

Tunisia played with plenty of promise in their opening 0-0 draw with Denmark but they were well below their best last time out as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Australia.

Jalel Kadri’s team is built on a strong defensive foundation but they have no choice but to go for broke on Wednesday as only three points will suffice if they are to make the last 16.

Even that may not be enough, though, and it may come down to goal difference, so pushing on could see them punished by the pace of Mbappe and co.

With Tunisia needing to tweak their tactics but lacking any real bite and France vulnerable to losing some rhythm with so many potential changes, it’s a difficult match in which to find value.

But Mbappe rarely fails to deliver on the big stage and he can add to his growing stock with yet another World Cup goal.

Key stat

Both teams have scored in only one of Tunisia's last 17 matches.

Team news

Tunisia
Wahbi Khazri is expected to get his first start of the tournament. Manager Jalel Kadri says he has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

France
Didier Deschamps is preparing to make up to seven changes but star man Kylian Mbappe is expected to keep his place. Eduardo Camavinga could fill in at left-back to protect Theo Hernandez.

Probable teams

Tunisia (3-4-2-1) Dahmen; Bronn, Meriah, Talbi; Drager, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi; Khazri, Msakni; Jebali.

France (4-2-3-1) Mandanda; Pavard, Konate, Varane, Camavinga; Guendouzi, Fofana; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram.

Inside info

Tunisia

Top scorer in probable team Wahbi Khazri
Star player Wahbi Khazri
Penalty taker Wahbi Khazri
Assist ace Youssef Msakni
Set-piece aerial threat Montassar Talbi
Card magnet Ali Abdi

France

Top scorer in probable team Antoine Griezmann
Star player Kylian Mbappe
Penalty taker Antoine Griezmann
Assist ace Antoine Griezmann
Set-piece aerial threat Ibrahima Konate
Card magnet Benjamin Pavard

Tunisia v France Bet Builder

France to win
Les Bleus are two from two in Group D and even accounting for tactical tweaks, they have enough strength in depth to take care of a toothless Tunisia.

Kylian Mbappe to score at any time
Mbappe has scored three goals in two games in Qatar and, having amassed 13 shots against Denmark and Australia, should get plenty more opportunities.

Ali Abdi to be shown a card
The Tunisia full-back has been booked four times in ten games for Caen this season and was also shown yellow against Australia.

Price guide 17-2

Match information

Stadium Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan
Fifa rankings France 4, Tunisia 30
Weather Partly cloudy, 26C

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