France looked unstoppable in the group phase, especially their offensive line scoring ten goals. Swedish defense has been a bit messy so far, so I am predicting Les Bleus to find the net in both halves and book their place in the Round of 16.
Key Stats
- France have scored 13 goals in their last 4 matches.
- France have scored in both halves in 3 of their last 4 matches.
- France have scored in both halves in their last match against Sweden.
- Sweden have conceded 14 goals in their last 6 matches.
France Lead H2H
France have a 12-6 advantage against Sweden in terms of h2h victories, 5 matches ending without a winner. This is going to be their first meeting at the World Cup.
Les Bleus Favored to go All the Way
France’s confidence is going through the roof after securing three victories in the group phase. Their campaign started with a 3-1 win over Senegal where Kylian Mbappe netted a brace in the second half.
Les Bleus had zero problems in the second round against underdog Iraq 3-0, not allowing a single shot on target while posting 2.67 xG. Mbappe scored another brace here, Ousmane Dembele also on target.
Even without their head coach Didier Deschamps who had to miss third match due to personal reasons, France claimed another three points against Norway 4-1. Dembele stole the spotlight this time with his hat-trick, but its worth adding opposition played with reserve players to preserve fitness.
Sweden Had Zero Clean Sheets in the Group Phase
Sweden looked impressive in their opening 5-1 victory against Tunisia, ending this match with 1.34-0.27 expected goals. Yasin Ayari was named man of the match scoring a brace, while Alexander Isak registered one goal and two assists.
They were completely outplayed in the second match by the Netherlands 5-1, Anthony Elanga scoring a consolation. The Swedes were agile and attackingly oriented here, firing 16 shots total but collapsed defensively.
Graham Potter’s side needed a point in the final round to clinch playoffs and that’s exactly what they got against Japan 1-1, Anthony Elanga scoring a beauty in the second half. The Asian side had more possession (52%) and higher xG (1.21-0.64) here.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
France (4-2-3-1) Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Manu Kone; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue; Kylian Mbappe
France have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this clash. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have scored four goals each so far, while Michael Olise registered three assists.
France have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this clash. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have scored four goals each so far, while Michael Olise registered three assists.
Sweden (3-4-3) Leopold Zetterstrom; Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelof, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Alexander Bernhardsson, Yasin Ayari, Lucas Bergvall, Trey Stroud; Anthony Elanga, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres
Defender Isak Hien ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury against Japan. Alexander Isak has been the top contributor with one goal and three assists, while Yasin Ayari and Anthony Elanga bagged two goals each.
Defender Isak Hien ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury against Japan. Alexander Isak has been the top contributor with one goal and three assists, while Yasin Ayari and Anthony Elanga bagged two goals each.