France vs Australia: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

The defending champions will be without the services of key forward Karim Benzema.

France will lock horns with Australia on Wednesday in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022. While Australia couldn't register a single win in the tournament four years ago in Russia, France went on to become the World Champion. Off-the-field scandals and countless injury problems have also plagued this France side. Whereas the Aussies will look to take revenge for the previous World Cup loss.

Kick-off: 12:30 AM (IST), 7 PM (GMT)

France Form (all comps): L-D-D-L-W-L

Australia Form (all comps): L-W-W-W-W-W

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappé is not only lightning quick across the ground, but he also shows a greater speed of thought than most defenders, spotting opportunities to run in behind before his opponents, and exploiting the space he creates for himself to devastating effect.

He is one of the favourites to win the golden boot in the World Cup. Opposition teams need to be very well prepared to face him because he has a knack for scoring goals out of nowhere.

Jamie Maclaren

The Aussie striker is lethal in front of the goal and is in good form. The former golden boot winner of the A-league will be a threat to the french defence. He will be very crucial for them as France's defence is very strong and they will not get as many chances but Jamie is a big threat to the opposition.

Injury and Team News

In a massive blow to France, Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup with an injury. Didier Deschamps had already been forced into a couple of sharp squad reshuffles following late injuries to RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku and PSG centre-back Presnel Kimpembe. Randal Kolo Muani and Axel Disasi have replaced the duo. Varane possibly not being risked for the opening matchday, Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano could line up at the back.

Hibernian striker Martin Boyle has been nursing a knee problem and has been unable to train with the Australia team in the lead-up to Tuesday's game. Boyle has not been ruled out of the tournament yet, but Marco Tilio is on standby as a possible replacement, and Arnold otherwise has all members of his squad fit and raring to go - Ajdin Hrustic has reportedly been working as normally recently.

Head-to-head stats

France have a very dominant record against France, having won three of the meetings between these teams.

Matches: 5

France: 3

Draw: 1

Australia: 1

Predicted Lineup

France Predicted Lineup (4-3-1-2):

Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Konate, L Hernandez; Tchouameni, Y Fofana, Rabiot; Griezmann; Giroud, Mbappe.

Australia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Ryan; Atkinson, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Mooy, Irvine; Leckie, Hrustic, Mabil; Maclaren.

France vs Australia: Prediction

France hasn't had the most serene buildup to the tournament, with injuries and the nagging issue of squad harmony bubbling in the background, but they have the quality to beat Australia in this fixture, on paper.

Prediction: France 2- 1 Australia