France vs Spain preview

March 25, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Spain vs FranceFrance go into this crunch tie looking to open up a five-point gap at the Group I summit, which would see them all but secure the first place in the standings.

Spain, on the other hand, hope to make amends for the 1-1 draw against Finland and return to the top of the group by winning at Stade de France.

Didier Deschamps was always going to have a difficult task having taken over the reigns after yet another disappointing showing at the tournament finals.

Les Bleus, nonetheless, started the 2014 World Cup qualifiers strongly, defeating Finland and Belarus, before holding Euro 2012 champions Spain to a 1-1 draw in Madrid.

France have since recorded a comfortable win over Georgia, which saw them create a two-point advantage at the top given that Spain slipped up against Finland.

The hosts now have a great chance to make a giant step towards the tournament finals, and they are 3.50 (5/2) at bet365 to see off their more illustrious opponents.

In spite of their lead, les Bleus can still be backed at 2.25 (5/4) at Coral to win the first place in Group I.

Didier Deschamps is set to revert to 4-3-3 formation for the Spain match, which could see Olivier Giroud make way for Yohan Cabaye.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Lloris – Jallet, Varane, Sakho, Clichy – Cabaye, Matuidi, Pogba – Valbuena, Benzema, Ribery.

Spain remain the team to beat after winning the last three major tournaments, but La Furia Roja have experienced some unexpected problems in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

It all started from that match against France, when Vicente del Bosque’s side largely dominated the game and looked to be cruising to victory, that is until Olivier Giroud scored a late, late goal to earn one point for les Bleus.

Same thing happened on Friday against Finland, as La Furia Roja couldn’t hold on to a one-goal lead, but it is too early to be talking about a dip in form or something like that.

Spain did make some mistakes in the two matches, but that is likely to make the players even more determined to make things right in Paris.

With several important players back to the side, you should know away win pays 2.30 (13/10) at Paddy Power.

David Villa looks set to start up front as Vicente del Bosque plans some changes to the starting line-up, with the Barcelona star 2.75 (7/4) at Coral to score at any time.

Jordi Alba and David Silva miss out through injury and suspension, but Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez and Pedro return to the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Valdes – Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Monreal – Xavi, Busquets, Xabi Alonso – Pedro, Villa, Iniesta.

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