France – Norway

Stade de France will be the host of the International Friendly between France and Norway as the hosts prepare for their World Cup campaign.

France only finished second in the World Cup qualifying group and just edged Ukraine in a playoff series but Les Bleus have very good momentum and played their best football under Deschamps in the last matches. France won 5 of the last 6 games with a goal difference of 18-2 (!!!) even though they had good opposition. Their only loss came at the hands of Ukraine in Kiev (0-2) but they turned it around winning 3-0 at home. The last France match was in March and produced an exciting 2-0 win over Netherlands.

Norway is looking to rebuild for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. The Nordic side is clearly not in the best spot as they have won just once in the las 8 games  (with 5 defeats and 2 draws). Norway does not have the quality players it once had and will count on youngsters who can grow and revive this famous football nation. In the World Cup qualifiers Norway finished 4th with just 12 points in 10 games.

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Team news and lineups

It is expected that France will field a very strong lineup today, while Norway will be composed of many young players from the domestic league but also a couple of experienced guys playing abroad.

France: Lloris – Debuchy, Koscielny, Mangala, Evra – Mavuba, Cabaye – Ribery, Pogba, Matuidi – Giroud

Norway: Nyland – Linnes, Hangeland, Forren, Hogli – Nordtveit, Johansen – Jenssen, Tettey, Elyounoussi – Nielsen

Deschamps has faced some criticism after not calling up City’s Nasri for the World Cup and the french manager will surely be eager to prove the doubters wrong starting with this Norway friendly. France has played very good football lately and looking at the probable lineup they will field, they should clearly have too much for a struggling Norwegian side. France has been especially dominant at home lately so a win for Deschamp’s side seems on the cards at Stade de France. They should be able to score at least twice and if they will keep another clean sheet, than a handicap win is very possible. My tip will be France to win and cover the 1 goal asian handicap. Prediction: France – Norway 2-0.

Pick: France (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.81 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.48
Event date: 27 May