Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker:
Two European giants who will be looking to get their Group B campaign off to a flying start on Friday night, France will welcome the Netherlands to Paris.
France
Starting with the hosts, eventually suffering real World Cup heartbreak out in Qatar over the winter, France will be desperate to prove that they aren t showing any signs of a hangover. Missing out on the chance to be crowned back-to-back world champions in the Middle East as they fell to a stunning penalties defeat at the hands of Argentina, Didier Deschamps side still gained plenty of plaudits. Rightfully still regarded to be among world football s very elite, Les Bleus should also be excited to make a return to Paris on Friday night. Opening their Euro qualifying adventure seen as a standout pick to clinch top spot in Group B, France will know that they have plenty of pressure on their shoulders. However, last seen in the capital claiming a 2-0 victory against Austria while on Nations League duties back on September 22nd, Deschamps squad are unbeaten in each of their last qualifying appearances on home soil.
Team News
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has been handed his first call-up to the senior France squad this month. Following Hugo Lloris international retirement, Mike Maignan could be handed a start between the sticks here.
Appointed Les Bleus full-time captain earlier in the week, PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe will spearhead France s attack on Friday night. the 24-year-old will likely be joined by AC Milan veteran Olivier Giroud.
Netherlands
As for the visitors, while the Netherlands might have been disappointed after only settling for a World Cup quarter-final spot over the winter, they have only continued on a remarkable rise over recent times. Despite falling to eventual winners Argentina following another nail-biting penalty shootout, the Oranges should still find the mood in their camp at a real high. Turning back to former boss Ronald Koeman earlier in the year following Louis van Gaal s retirement, the one-time Everton boss will be looking to get his return to the dugout off to a flying start in Paris. Although the Dutch might travel to Paris on Friday night tipped as a real underdog, there is no doubt that Koeman s men will be excited by their most recent showdown against Les Bleus. It should be noted, when Holland welcomed France to Rotterdam for a Nations League battle in November 2018, the European icons claimed a deserved 2-0 victory.
Team News
Impressing since arriving at Newcastle last summer, defender Sven Botman will be hoping to play some part on Friday night. Likewise, the Manchester United duo of Wout Weghorst and Tyrell Malacia could feature in Paris.
Despite dealing with a long-term injury issue this season, Roma s Georginio Wijnaldum has been included in Koeman s squad this month. The ex-Liverpool man could partner Frenkie de Jong at the heart of Holland s midfield.
Key Factors to Consider
