France v Wales betting tips: Tough test for Dragons
Published:
Preview and odds for France v Wales
Wales step up their preparations for Euro 2020 with just about the biggest challenge possible – a friendly trip to world champions France.
Robert Page’s side also play Albania on Saturday as they bid to sharpen up for a group where they will face Switzerland, Turkey and Italy.
Given the quality of their esteemed opposition in Nice, Wales are a huge 12/1 to come away with a morale-boosting win with France firm favourites at 2/7.
Here we take a look at some France v Wales betting tips.
Match odds
France have not been flawless since clinching the World Cup in Russia three years ago. They were beaten by Turkey in qualifying for Euro 2020 and have stuttered in World Cup qualifiers this year – edging wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kazakhstan as well as being held by Ukraine.
Didier Deschamps’ side were also stunned by a 2-0 defeat in a home friendly against Finland in November which will give Wales hope of at least troubling the hosts. Both teams to score is priced at 7/5.
France have, however, underlined their big tournament credentials by reaching the Nations League finals and are 9/2 joint favourites to win Euro 2020. They are 19/20 to beat Wales with over 2.5 goals.
The world champions have kept clean sheets in three of their last five games and are 3/4 to win to nil.
France v Wales head-to-head
The two teams have met in five friendlies in their history – with Wales winning once – and never in competitive action.
France came out 2-0 winners in their most recent meeting back in 2017, the year after Wales had made their mark with a shock run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud scored the goals for France in that match while Wales stalwarts Chris Gunter, Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies all played that day and are set to be key players once again at Euro 2020.
Previous XI
France: Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez, Pogba, Rabiot, Coman, Griezmann, Lemar, Mbappe
Wales: Ward, Mepham, Rodon, Lawrence, Roberts, Morrell, Ampadu, Williams, Bale, Wilson, James
Key battles
Karim Benzema’s inclusion in the France squad raised eyebrows. The Real Madrid striker was dropped in 2015 over his alleged involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal and fell out with Deschamps over the matter. But he has been recalled for the first time since ahead of Euro 2020.
As one of Europe’s premier strikers – with 23 La Liga goals this season – he will want to make his mark ahead of the tournament to secure a starting spot.
France are not short of attacking players who will want to catch the eye. Kylian Mbappe is guaranteed a starting place but the likes of Griezmann, Thomas Lemar, Ousmane Dembele and Wissam Ben Yedder are fighting for selection.
With that firepower, France are available at 18/5 to put on a show and score over 3.5 goals.
For Wales, talisman Gareth Bale finished the season strongly for Spurs and will be the go-to man for his country again. Manchester United’s Daniel James is expected to start out wide while Cardiff’s Kieffer Moore may provide a number nine option.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
