France have qualified for the last-16 of Euro 2016, but they need a point against Switzerland in Lille on Sunday night to secure top spot in Group A.
Didier Deschamps’ men have made hard work of their first two outings, scoring three of their four goals so far in the 89th minute or later.
In turn, they will hope to be more clinical moving forward against top teams, otherwise they could be made to pay for their lack of edge in the final third.
Nevertheless, they’ve done enough to get out of the group already, but they’ll want to end as group winners and they’ll have to secure a positive result against the Swiss in order to do so.
These two nations were drawn in the same group for the fourth time in the last seven major tournaments, with France unbeaten in their three previous meetings.
In fact, Switzerland’s last win over the French came in May 1992, and they have failed to win any of their last six games against their neighbours.
Neutrals will be hoping for a repeat of their clash two years ago in Brazil, with France winning 5-2 on that occasion in a highly-entertaining encounter, although based on how both teams have been performing in front of goal so far this month, it’s difficult to see that happening.
As for team news, Valon Behrami could miss out due to a knee injury, while Bree Embolo could get a start with Haris Seferovic proving to be very wasteful so far.
For France, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann are expected to return to the starting line-up, although Deschamps may opt to rest certain individuals in need of one as well as those at risk of being suspended for the next game.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Switzerland: Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Schär, Djourou, Rodríguez; Behrami, Džemaili, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Seferovi?, Mehmedi.
France: Lloris; Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra/Digne; Pogba, Cabaye, Matuidi/Sissoko; Griezmann, Gignac, Payet.
Prediction: France 2-0 Switzerland. It’s difficult to call results for these two teams, as if they take their chances, it could be anything. Both have been guilty of being wasteful, and so the trend could either continue with France’s class getting them the win, or they could both find their feet in front of goal and make this an end-to-end thriller.
Based on what we’ve seen at this tournament so far, coupled with the fact neither side really have to take too many risks, back France to go forward with maximum points.