Friday’s World Cup qualifying predictions, betting odds and tips: France forwards should have a field day
Friday’s best bets
Kylian Mbappe & Michael Olise to score vs Azerbaijan
Amazon Prime PPV, 7.45pm Friday
1pt double 6-5 Coral, Ladbrokes
Switzerland draw no bet vs Sweden
7.45pm Friday
1pt 11-10 Betfair, Paddy Power
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Friday’s World Cup qualifying predictions
France were drawn alongside Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan in their World Cup qualifying group so it is no surprise to see the back-to-back World Cup finalists sitting in top spot after two matches.
Given the immense depth at his disposal, Didier Deschamps could play a third-string side and still top that straightforward group and, due to numerous injuries, the team he picks for the clash with Azerbaijan may not be far off that.
Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola miss out, meaning it will be down to Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman and Christopher Nkunku to provide support for captain Kylian Mbappe.
That shouldn’t hamper them too badly against an Azerbaijan side who have conceded 28 goals and won none of their last 12 games, though, and plenty of Les Bleus stars should enjoy themselves.
Kylian Mbappe has an exceptional scoring record for FranceCredit: Getty Images
There is no value in just backing Mbappe to add to his 16 goals in 12 games for club and country this term, but including him in a double with Olise will get you an odds-against price.
Olise has scored two goals in his last three France appearances and should be given a greater attacking role in the absence of Dembele, Doue and Barcola.
While France’s forwards have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, Sweden’s certainly have not.
Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak have both struggled after making big-money moves in the summer and with their talismanic front two struggling, Sweden look vulnerable for a visit from Switzerland.
The Swedes, and Gyokeres in particular, were woeful in their 2-0 loss to Kosovo last time and Switzerland’s six-game unbeaten run is unlikely to be snapped in Solna.
The Swiss have won each of their last five matches, scoring 18 goals in the process, and should maintain their perfect start in Group B to increase the pressure on Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson.
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Read more from the Racing Post:
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Football Bet Of The Day: Aaron Ashley has a 6-5 World Cup qualifying fancy
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