World Cup 2022 Tunisia vs France Tips and Predictions

Holders France will finish their Group D campaign against Tunisia at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

France are already through to the round of 16 after winning both of their opening matches. They’ve scored six times across those two encounters and have produced a remarkable xG of 6.4 across those two fixtures. Although goal-scorer Kylian Mbappe will rightfully take the majority of the headlines and has broken a number of records, Antoine Griezmann has created nine chances in Qatar so far and has played a crucial role for Les Bleus so far.

Tunisia aren’t eliminated yet, however, they will need to start converting their chances. The North African outfit have decent xG numbers, but they don’t have enough quality in the final third to stick those opportunities away. The huffed and puffed against Australia and will give 100% throughout the 90 minutes, but they just seem to lack the requisite quality in front of goal.

Predictably, France have been priced up as the 4/7 favourites by Bwin and they will be expected to pick up all three points, despite the possibility of squad rotation. Tunisia will battle and may fancy their chances of holding out for a draw. A stalemate can be backed at 14/5.

• Tunisia and France never previously in a competitive fixture, although they’ve faced one another four times in international friendlies. The last meeting between the pair came in 2010 and ended in a 1-1 draw.
• Tunisia – Tunisia are defensively resolute and they haven’t conceded more than a single goal in a competitive goal since December 2021 (they were playing with ten men). Just one of their last 18 competitive matches has seen both teams find the back of the net.
• France – France have now won the opening two matches at the World Cup in each of their last three tournaments. Didier Deschamp’s side were relentless going forward against both Denmark and Australia and have produced a combined xG of 6.4.

France are very short in the betting to win this game and given that they have already qualified for the next round, they may opt to rotate. Even if several second string players are drafted into the XI, they should still have too much for their opponents.

FRANCE WIN

Tunisia do not do high-scoring matches and their games rarely produce excitement at both ends. They have created chances, but have been unable to find the back of the net. France are highly likely to find the back of the net and although they haven’t looked defensively secure, Tunisia are unlikely to ask too many questions.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE – NO?

France have produced enough clear-cut opportunities to win both of their opening two Group D matches by several goal margins, however, they may to be patient in this one. Tunisia don’t give a lot away and should keep the score-line down.

CORRECT SCORE 2-0

Tunisia  

Tunisia are solid, but they struggle to score goals. Jalel Kadri will urge his side to avoid conceding early and ensure that they are still in the game at the break. 

Key Player/s: Youssef Msakni, Wahbri Khazri

Team news: Jalel Kadri doesn’t have the luxury of being able to make changes for this game as his side desperately require three points. He may opt to start with Wahbri Khazri as he searches for more attacking options. 

Predicted Lineup: Aymen Damen, Dylan Bronn, Yassine Meriah, Montassar Taibi, Ellyes Shkiri, Mohamed Drager, Ali Abdi, Aissa Laidouni, Wahbri Khazri, Youssef Msakni, Issam Jebali

France

Didier Deschamps could be tempted to make changes for this final group game. Although there is very little danger of being displaced at the top of the group, he will be wary of halting the momentum which has been built up across the first two matches.  

Key Player/s: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann. 

Team news: Theo Hernandez is likely to continue to deputise for his brother at left-back. Olivier Giroud could be given the chance to recover with the ageing frontman having started both matches so far. 

Predicted Lineup: Hugo Lloris, Theo Hernandez, William Saliba, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram

France have taken maximum points from their opening two matches, however, they are yet to keep a clean sheet. Nevertheless, Tunisia are fairly blunt going forward and with Les Bleus expected to be on the front foot for the majority of this contest, Tunisia may not get too many chances to score their first goal in Qatar.

Bet on France to Win to Nil