France vs Scotland: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Les Bleus host Scotland in an exhibition contest

Emerging from vastly different outcomes in their recent Euro 2024 qualifiers, two nations set aside competitive fervor for a friendly encounter. France have confirmed their spot in next year's Euros at Germany after beating Netherlands 2-1 in their Group B encounter.

Scotland, in their reverse fixture against Spain lost 2-0 after conceding both the goals in the later stages of the second half. Spain handed Scotland their first loss in the Qualifiers, Scotland still sit on top of Group A with one match extra played than the second-place Spanish side.

Kick-Off:

Wednesday, 18 October 2023 at 12:30 AM IST (8:00 PM BST)

Location: Stade Pierre Mauroy

Form

France (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L-W

Scotland (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L-L

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe (France):

Mbappe's double against the Netherlands saw the 24-year-old move onto 42 strikes in France colours - overtaking Platini into fourth place in the all-time charts. He has eight goal involvements already this season for France. He has been impressive with his goalscoring prowess and his abilities in the penalty box and on the wings. He has scored in five of his last seven international appearances.

Scott Mctominay (Scotland):

Scott Mctominay has been on fire this season for Scotland, the midfielder is Scotland's leading goalscorer in the Euro Qualifiers and he almost scored an absolutely brilliant freekick in their match against Spain, but the goal was ruled out by VAR. He has been a goal scoring machine for his nation and has been a force in the defensive third of the football field for Scotland.

Match facts:

• Scotland have won two of their last three meetings with France after losing four on the bounce.
• France have won six out of their last seven matches.
• Whenever these sides have met, no match has resulted in a draw.

Injury & team news:

France boss Deschamps will not shy away from making several changes to his side for this friendly, especially having lost William Saliba, Jules Kounde, and Upamecano to injuries last week. Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto made his France debut off the bench against the Netherlands and might get his first full start for his country.

Liverpool and Scotland have a injury scare as defender Robertson suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder against Spain, having been clattered by goalkeeper Simon. This match might be a recall for Billy Gilmour and Che Adams in the starting XI.

Head to Head

Total matches – 16

France wins – 8

Scotland wins – 8

Draws – 0

Predicted lineup for France vs Scotland:

France predicted lineup:

Samba; Gusto, Pavard, Todibo, T. Hernandez; Fofana, Camavinga; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Scotland predicted lineup:

Gunn; Patterson, Hendry, McKenna, Porteous, Hickey; McGinn, McTominay, Gilmour, S. Armstrong; Adams

Match prediction:

France, brimming with eager young talents eager to make their mark on the international stage, seeks to relegate the September setback against Germany to a distant memory and conclude the October campaign on a resounding high. In contrast, Scotland, despite having an additional day of recovery, may still be grappling with the demoralizing defeat to Spain and the controversial decisions of the officiating team. France will look to continue their dominance against Scotland.

Prediction: France 2-1 Scotland

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