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

Les Blues opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Australia.

France can seal a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2022 when they resume action in Group D against Denmark at Stadium 974 on Saturday evening. After a thumping victory over the Aussies, the french will be fully confident before going into the next clash. For the second tournament in a row, Denmark was held to the first 0-0 draw of the World Cup. They will be very well prepared to face the reigning World Champion.

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

Denmark Form (all compititons):  W-L-W-L-W-D

Injury Team news

France has been plagued by injuries since before Deschamps named his squad, after Deschamps named his squad and now during their World Cup adventure, with left-back Lucas Hernandez tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the build-up to Goodwin's goal for Australia on Tuesday.

A similar story to Hernandez's has befallen Denmark, as Sevilla midfielder Thomas Delaney came off with a knee injury at half-time against Tunisia and has also been forced to withdraw from the tournament as he prepares for a month-long recovery period. Hjulmand otherwise has no fresh concerns for Saturday's game.

Players to watch out

Antoine Griezmann

Though his dribbling is not very good, he has nimble enough feet to get him through opponents in a quick offensive transition. Unlike most left-footed footballers though, he is equally strong with both feet. He enjoys the quick exchange of passes and one-twos with players, to help move the ball into dangerous areas. His quick decision-making and abrupt movement help him in getting away from defenders. His performance will be key in the attacking department.

Christian Eriksen

Eriksen is adept at using either foot. Even though it is his playmaking that he has been known for, he has been very crucial to the danish team's success in recent years. His presence in the midfield causes a lot of problems for the opponents and the french backline and midfield will be very well prepared to face him.

Head-to-head stats

Matches: 16

Denmark: 6

France: 8

Draw: 2

Predicted lineup

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

Lloris; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.

Denmark Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Schmeichel; Kristensen, A Christensen, Andersen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Jensen; Skov Olsen, Eriksen, Damsgaard; Dolberg.

France vs Denmark: Prediction

Having been written off by many before the World Cup kicked off, France now has the wind in their sails after an emphatic opening-day victory, and their squad is still a hugely formidable one despite their plethora of injury concerns.

Denmark's spate of positive results against France both in and outside of the World Cup should lead to some optimism within the Red and Whites. But the french will prove to be strong and will come out as the winner.

Prediction: France 2-0 Denmark