Russia vs France – International Friendly – Preview

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Sreya

Russia vs France – Russia hosts France at the Krestovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg on 27th March, Tuesday in an international friendly, which will serve as the final preparation game for both countries ahead of the publishing of the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad lists.

France fell to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Colombia after taking a two-goal lead in their previous international friendly, while Russia were beaten 3-0 by Brazil.

Hosts Russia have been drawn into Group A in the World Cup alongside Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia while France are in a relatively straightforward Group C alongside Australia, Denmark and Peru.

Team News

Roman Zobnin is Russia’s only injury concern while France is likely to be without Corentin Tolisso and Laurent Koscielny. Didier Deschamps is expected to make a lot of changes to the side which threw away a two-goal lead against Colombia.

Russia Possible Starting Lineup: Igor Akinfeev, Ilya Kutepov, Vladimir Granat, Fyodor Kudryashov, Aleksandr Samodov, Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Glushakov, Alan Dzagoev, Dimitri Kombarov, Fedor Smolov, Aleksey Miranchuk.

France Possible Starting Lineup: Hugo Lloris, Dijbril Sidibe, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Hernandez, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial, Olivier Giroud.

“We showed a level of cockiness at times. It doesn’t please me. We haven’t met the demands of the highest level. We have no excuses. It’s a game we’ve lost at home, which is never fun.”

– Didier Deschamps, France.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Russia vs France H2H Stats, France have won two, lost two and drawn one of their previous five encounters with Russia. France have not won any of their previous four international games with their poor form becoming a cause of concern for their manager and football association alike, especially with the World Cup looming near.

Although France are not in a good vein of form, they are likely to win 2-0 tomorrow.