France vs Sweden – FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Preview

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Sreya

France vs Sweden – France host Sweden at Stade de France on 11th November, Friday on Matchday 4 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the UEFA nations. France lead Group A standings with seven points after three games.

Although Didier Deschamps’ side started with their World Cup qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Belarus, subsequent victories against Bulgaria and Netherlands have settled their campaign.

Sweden began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Netherlands but have since registered wins against Luxembourg and Bulgaria, scoring four goals in two matches and conceding none.

Sweden, who are on the second position and have a similar goal difference but trail France as they have played two home games as opposed to France’s one, will be hopeful of their chances. For the UEFA nations, the group topper automatically qualifies for the FIFA World Cup while the country which finishes second can possibly qualify for a second round.

Team News

Patrice Evra is recalled to the France squad and is expected to feature. Both managers have relatively healthy squads to choose their preferred starting eleven.

France Possible Starting Lineup: Hugo Lloris, Patrice Evra, Raphael Varane, Laurent Koscielny, Djibril Sidibe, Blasé Matuidi, Paul Pogba, Moussa Sissoko, Antoine Griezmann, Dmitri Payet, Kevin Gameiro.

Sweden Possible Starting Lineup: Robin Olsen, Oscar Wendt, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Emil Krafth, Emil Forsberg, Albin Ekdal, Oscar Hiljemark, Jimmy Durmaz, Ola Toivonen, John Guidetti.

“He’s a top level player, and he maintains his level by playing for Juventus. I never said it was over for him. I always maintained that from time to time that he’d be called upon if needed.”

– Didier Deschamps while talking about Patrice Evra.

Contributor’s Pick

According to France vs Sweden H2H stats, France have won two and drawn two of their previous five encounters with Sweden. Their last competitive meeting in the 2012 European Championship ended in a 2-0 victory for Sweden.

France are the favorites tomorrow and are expected to win by a 1-0 scoreline.