The World Cup qualifying campaign begins this midweek, with some of the top teams in Europe looking to get off to a winning start. France host Ukraine from 19:45 GMT with Les Bleus favourites with many pundits to bag the three points. Will they live up to expectations without the support of their followers from the stands?
France and Ukraine meet for the first time since a friendly match in the autumn of 2020. Didier Deschamps’ side eased their way to a stunning 7-1 victory at the Stade de France. Olivier Giroud bagged a brace that day with Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, also amongst the scorers. The stats show Ukraine haven’t beaten Wednesday’s opponents since 2013, and they will be desperate to bring an end to that drought.
Hosts enjoy a strong run of form
France is on a great run of form and head into this match on the back of two wins in their last two games. Since suffering a shock 2-0 friendly loss to Finland, they have improved to beat Portugal on the road and Sweden at home. Both wins came in the UEFA Nations League.
They achieved a 1-0 win over Portugal thanks to N’Golo Kante’s goal early in the second half. It was a hard-fought win but a thoroughly deserved three points. The points came easier against Sweden late last year when blasting their way to a 4-2 result. Olivier Giroud bagged a brace, with the others scored by Benjamin Pavard and Kingsley Coman.
Ukraine stuck on a losing run
Ukraine are stuck on a losing run of form and face the daunting trip to Paris, having lost each of their last three games. They bagged a stunning 1-0 win over Spain in October of last year when on UEFA Nations League duty but have been joyless since.
Ukraine were beaten by Poland 2-0 on the road in a friendly match that set their Nations League games’ pace. They then lost 3-1 away to Germany and were hammered 3-0 by Switzerland. Confidence is low in the camp, but this game gives Ukraine a chance to wipe the slate clean.
France vs Ukraine Prediction
France enter this match as the team with the home advantage and boasting the better form of the two. Fans will expect to see Les Bleus continue their winning ways and collect another three points. If performing at their best, they should have enough in their armoury to shoot down Ukraine in midweek.
The away team are out of form, but they arrive knowing they are the underdogs. Ukraine have nothing to fear and can cause an upset if their opponents make the mistake of taking them lightly. Everyone in the away dressing room knows what’s required of them here, but it certainly isn’t mission impossible.
World Cup Qualifier Odds
France have been priced at 1.23 with 22bet to win this game, with Ukraine available at odds of 14.5. The draw is 5.85.
Make sure to bet on France vs Ukraine with 22Bet!
