Looking to make it three wins in three, France host Azerbaijan at the Parc Des Princes as Didier Deschamps’ side will want to tighten their grip on Group D of the UEFA World Cup qualifying stage.
Despite being on six of six points, it has not always been a smooth road for the 2022 World Cup finalists, who actually had to come from behind to defeat Iceland in their most recent qualifier. Nevertheless, they survived that scare and look good value to make it three in three against Azerbaijan.
124th in the FIFA rankings, a point, let alone a win, looks like a substantial ask for Azerbaijan, who currently sit joint bottom of Group D. Their campaign started with a damaging 5-0 defeat at the hands of Iceland. But, they did not let this defeat define them, holding Ukraine to an impressive 1-1 draw.
Still, a team of France’s quality will be incredibly tough for Azerbaijan to try and nullify in Paris.
It is expected to be a very strong France lineup to face Azerbaijan. There was a scare when Kylian Mbappe seemed to have an issue with his ankle for Real Madrid at the weekend, but that does not look like it will affect his place in the starting eleven.
The hosts will, however, be without Aurelien Tchouameni, who was shown red in the nation’s most recent match against Iceland. Injuries also rule out the attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Marcus Thuram.
After a good start to life in Merseyside, Hugo Ekitike is expected to start up front for the French.
The duo of Renat Dadashov and Mahir Emreli are expected to lead the line for the visitors. Emin Makhmudov is also set to feature yet again.
The FK Neftçi player is Azerbaijan’s all-time top goalscorer, currently sitting on fifteen goals. The 33-year-old also converted a penalty in the nation’s most recent clash against Ukraine.
Aykhan Abbasov is also expected to field a back three of Elvin Badalov, Bahlul Mustafazade and Anton Krivotsyuk. The trio will have the tough task of trying to keep out some of the world’s best.
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Rabiot, Kone; Coman, Olise, Ekitike; Mbappe
Mahammadaliyev; Badalov, Mustafazade, Krivotsyuk; G.Aliyev, K.Aliyev, Mahmudov, Abdullazada, Jafarquliyev; Emreli, Dadashov
France – Hugo Ekitike
After hitting the ground running for Liverpool following his €89m switch from Germany in the summer, Ekitike now needs to make his statement on the international scene. He finds himself among some of the world’s best, so he will not want to waste this opportunity.
Averaging a goal in every other game for Liverpool so far this season, the Frenchman has certainly not taken long to acclimatise to life in the Premier League.
But after receiving his first senior call-up in the last international break, Ekitike will certainly want to solidify his position in that French starting eleven.
Azerbaijan – Emin Makhmudov
The nation’s all-time top goalscorer will need to turn up in a substantial way if Azerbaijan want to cause a monumental upset against France.
Currently sitting on fifteen goals, and also Azerbaijan’s most recent goalscorer, Makhmudov seems like the most likely candidate in the visiting team that could cause some damage to the French.
Where is the match being played?
This match is being contested at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
What time is kick-off?
The match commences at 19:45 BST.
How can I watch?
Amazon Prime are showing this clash.