France are back in World Cup qualifying action this Tuesday and are up against Finland in an important Group D clash. For now, 1-1 draws with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine have not been too costly, but that could change if they drop points against the Finns in second place. The French have played two more games and currently lead by four points with Finland able to move to within one with a game in hand if they can emerge victorious. Karim Benzema will also be making his return to Lyon to play at formative club Olympique Lyonnais’ home venue.
Here is how you can watch the match and what to know:
Viewing information
- Date: Tuesday, Sept. 7 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Groupama Stadium — Lyon, France
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: FRA -600; Draw +600; FIN +1600 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
France: Draws with both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine were not expected coming into this international break and now it is up to Didier Deschamps and his men to turn it around against Finland. Easier said than done when you consider that their last meeting was a 2-0 win for the Finnish side in a late 2020 Paris friendly nearly one year ago.
Finland: With two games in hand to potentially catch France at the summit, even a point here could help to reel the European champions in. Given Les Bleus’ form at present, you would not bet against Huuhkajat being able to get something in Lyon. They beat Kazakhstan 1-0 last time out and are currently unbeaten in the group.
Prediction
France should have enough to win here but the same was said against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine. I will go for a narrow French win but anything other than that will create real problems for Deschamps and his players after this summer’s Euro failure. Pick: France 2-1 Finland.
