World Cup

France vs Australia prediction

HINT: France -1.5 ODDS: 3/4 22 NOV @ 19:00

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Defending FIFA World Cup champions France start the defence of their trophy on Tuesday when they face Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

France are my pre-tournament pick to go all the way again. Despite our media making a big deal over the injuries that forced Didier Deschamps to make changes to his squad, they still have the most talent in their starting XI and the most depth in their squad.

Kylian Mbappe is also my pick to win the Golden Boot and I would not be surprised if he nets a hat-trick in this game. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar will be supplied by the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann, as well as the likes of Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez bombing on from full-back.

This is a re-match of both national sides’ opener four years ago in Russia, where France won 2-1. Australia are winless in their last two World Cup appearances and only scraped through the latter stages of qualifying – finishing one point above Oman to reach the Asian play-offs, where they narrowly beat the United Arab Emirates with a late goal, and then beat Peru on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Inter-confederation play-off to get to Qatar.

Australia’s squad includes a number of players in their home country, a fair few from Scotland and a couple from the English Championship. I simply expect France to hand it to them on Tuesday.

Best bet: France -1.5 goals is 3/4 with BetFred