World champions France will go head-to-head with Switzerland as both look to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 on Monday night.
France progressed from the 'Group of Death' as the eventual winners, however, they have only actually won one game at the European Championships thus far, and that was against Germany in their opener.
Les Blues followed that win with consecutive draws, the first a shock 1-1 against Hungary and the second an entertaining 2-2 against reigning champions Portugal, knocked out by Belgium on Sunday night.
The French came into this tournament as the red hot favourites to win after lifting the World Cup three years ago, as well as finishing runners-up at the last European Championship back in 2016.
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But Didier Deschamps' men will go into tonight's game knowing they have a tricky opponent in front of them in Switzerland, who impressed in their final Group A clash to grab one of the best third-place spots.
France are unbeaten in their last eight games against the Swiss, going back to a 2-1 friendly loss in 1992, however, four of those matches ended in snore-fest draws. More of the same tonight? Perhaps. Hopefully not.
With the knockout stages now underway, our tipster Robert Mann takes a look at some of the best bets from France vs Switzerland to get your teeth stuck into.
France vs Switzerland betting tips & predictions
France are 8/13 to win, with Switzerland priced at 9 to come away with the victory. A draw is priced at 29/10.
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Prediction 1-1 (6/1)
Half-Time/Full-Time: France/Draw (14/1)
Reigning world champions France came into Euro 2020 as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but they have yet to throw down their stamp of authority, winning one and drawing two of their three matches so far.
Interestingly, four of the last five meetings between Switzerland and France have ended in draws and there is every chance these two won't be separated when the referee blows for full-time tonight.
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Because of that reason, we're backing France to lead at the break, before Switzerland salvage a draw come the final whistle. Could our first penalty shootout of the tournament be on the cards?
First Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappe (10/3)
Kylian Mbappe, one of the best strikers in the world right now, is yet to set this summer's European showpiece alight - but it will only be a matter of time before the Paris Saint-Germain talisman clicks into gear.
Amid persistent speculation surrounding his future, Didier Deschamps would do well to help Mbappe find his shooting boots.
Mbappe was just 17 and yet to be called up by Deschamps the last time the sides last locked horns - a goalless draw at Euro 2016.
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Now a FIFA World Cup winner and leading the French attack, the 22-year-old can unnerve even the most resolute of defences - and we're backing him to draw first blood tonight.
Game to be decided after penalties: Yes (6/1)
As we mentioned earlier, four of the last five meetings between France and Switzerland have ended in draws and there is every chance penalties will be required this evening to find a winner.
In what is likely to be a cagey affair with neither side wanting to make a mistake, that brings in the overwhelming possibility of pens - and we reckon that's exactly how it is going to play out.
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Also, the fact that spot-kicks are, essentially, a lottery, makes it hard for us to tip either French or Swiss to win via this method - and that's why attractive odds of 6/1 on the game to be decided by pens looks more than appealing.
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are, as always, subject to change.
Please gamble responsibly. For more information visit: https://www.begambleaware.org.
France team news
France will have to cope without Ousmane Dembele for the remainder of the tournament, while Lucas Digne, Marcus Thuram and Jules Kounde will also miss out on the last-16 clash.
Didier Deschamps will desperately hope to recover Lucas Hernandez in time, too, otherwise, Leo Dubois or Adrien Rabiot may have to deputise as an emergency left-wing back.
The France coach is reportedly preparing to field a back three for the last-16 battle, which would see Corentin Tolisso's spot in midfield sacrificed as Clement Lenglet beefs up the Bleus defence.
Thomas Lemar also picked up a minor injury in training, but Deschamps is unlikely to consider shuffling his attacking contingent.
Switzerland team news
Switzerland are well-placed to name their strongest starting line-up for the last-16 clash, as Vladimir Petkovic has no injury or suspension concerns whatsoever for the trip to Bucharest.
Away from team news, though, Xherdan Shaqiri - who became Swiss' all-time top goalscorer at the Euros and World Cup combined - would see a goal against France overtake Hakin Yakin on three to become his country's highest scorer at the Euros.
Topics:ย Euro 2020, France, Switzerland
